Josh Turek’s Trans-Related Campaign Ad Sparks Backlash in Iowa Senate Race

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek released a campaign advertisement that opposes transgender athletes competing in women’s sports and rejects taxpayer funding for gender-affirming care. The ad, aired days before the November midterm elections, prompted immediate condemnation from the statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy group One Iowa Action, criticism from fellow Democratic lawmaker State Rep. Aime Wichtendahl, and rebuttals from Republican opponent U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic ally State Rep. Adam Zabner.

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Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate race pits Turek against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in one of the nation’s most closely watched contests. The seat has been held by Republicans since 2008, and Democrats view the race as a potential pathway to flipping the Senate. While both candidates have campaigned on health-care costs and inflation, transgender-related policy has become a flashpoint, amplified by a recent visit from former President Donald Trump, who accused Turek of supporting “taxpayer-funded transgender mutilization surgeries.”

Newsweek

• One Iowa Action issued a statement declaring that Turek’s ad “represents a policy shift” and that his assurances after a prior meeting about not translating personal beliefs into legislation were “a lie.” The group warned that the ad implies Turek would seek to prohibit Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care if elected.

Newsweek

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The backlash centers on three main criticisms:

Newsweek

1. Policy Contradiction – One Iowa Action argues that Turek’s ad conflicts with his prior voting record in the Iowa legislature, which did not block Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care.

Newsweek

2. Transgender Representation – Wichtendahl’s remarks highlight the broader concern that the ad weaponizes trans issues for political gain, potentially alienating LGBTQ+ voters.

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3. Partisan Framing – Hinson frames Turek’s stance as a “Republican-style” approach, suggesting that his positions undermine Democratic values on LGBTQ+ rights.

Newsweek

The controversy illustrates how transgender policy is being leveraged as a wedge issue in a pivotal Senate race. If the ad sways moderate voters, it could affect Democratic turnout in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 2008. Conversely, the criticism may energize LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and progressive voters, potentially offsetting any gains from the ad’s appeal to socially conservative constituents.

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• “As a kid in a wheelchair, I faced my share of bullying. That's why I believe that no Iowan should face discrimination. As a Paralympian, I also know it's important to have rules,” — Josh Turek, the president

Newsweek

• “He is trying to act like a Republican to win this election here in Iowa, and he has to run away from his liberal record,” — S. Representative Ashley Hinson

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The Iowa Senate race will be decided in the November midterm elections. Both campaigns are expected to intensify messaging on transgender issues in the final weeks, and advocacy groups have indicated they will continue monitoring candidate positions on gender-affirming care and related legislation.

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