Full Breakdown
Obama Backs Iowa Democrat Josh Turek in Basketball-Court Video
7/29/2026, 9:40:51 PM
Core Event: Former President Endorses Senate Candidate
In a video posted on social media, former President Barack Obama appears shooting hoops with Iowa State Representative Josh Turek and declares his support for Turek’s campaign to win the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. The endorsement comes as the race is identified as one of the most competitive Senate contests for Democrats seeking to flip the chamber.
Background & Context
The Iowa Senate seat has been held by Republicans for more than a decade. Josh Turek, a state legislator who competed in wheelchair basketball at four Paralympic Games, is challenging U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Trump carried Iowa by double digits in the most recent presidential election, underscoring the difficulty Democrats face in the state. Obama’s involvement follows his historic 2008 caucus win in Iowa and his victories in the 2008 and 2012 general elections, both of which he cites as pivotal to his political rise.
Key Figures
- Barack Obama – former U.S. president; previously won Iowa in 2008 and 2012; longtime basketball enthusiast.
- Josh Turek – Iowa state representative; four-time Paralympic wheelchair-basketball athlete; Democratic Senate candidate.
- Ashley Hinson – Republican U.S. representative; Senate candidate endorsed by President Trump.
- Donald Trump – former U.S. president; endorses Hinson and won Iowa by double digits in the last presidential race.
Official Statements & Responses
He also references his personal connection to the state, noting his past electoral successes there. Trump’s endorsement of Hinson is noted in campaign filings and public statements, positioning the race as a direct contest between the two former presidents’ preferred candidates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know a little something about winning Iowa,” — Barack Obama, from former president
- “Now the ball’s in your court, Iowa,” — Barack Obama, from former president
