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Obama endorses Democratic Iowa state rep running for US Senate against Trump-backed House Republican
By Alex Nitzberg
Published July 30, 2026
Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek for U.S. Senate.
"Now the ball's in your court, Iowa. Let's make sure that we send Josh Turek to the United States Senate," Obama said near the end of a video that featured the two men shooting hoops on a basketball court in a modified version of the classic game horse.
"Let's go. We playin' horse or what? Obama asks.
"We're playin' Iowa," Turek replies.
OBAMA WARNS VANCE IS PUSHING 'BLOOD AND SOIL' VERSION OF 'WE THE PEOPLE' MANTRA
Former President Barack Obama speaks during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, in John Lewis Plaza, on June 18, 2026, in Chicago, Ill. (Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
"I know a little somethin' about winning Iowa," Obama quips.
Obama won the state in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential contests.
Turek is a four-time wheelchair basketball Paralympian and was a gold medalist twice.
DEM SENATE HOPEFUL RIPPED AS 'ABSENTEE LEGISLATOR' AFTER MISSING NEARLY 60% OF VOTES
Iowa Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek speaks during a primary night rally at The Loft on June 2, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/Getty Images)
He will face U.S. House Republican Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, in the general election.
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, announced last year that she would not run for re-election in 2026.
That same day, Hinson announced a U.S. Senate bid.
TRUMP-ENDORSED HINSON SECURES IOWA SENATE NOMINATION AS DEMOCRATS EYE GOP SEAT
Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate Ashley Hinson speaks during a campaign event on June 1, 2026, in Dubuque, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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Then just days later, President Donald Trump endorsed Hinson for Senate.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-endorses-democratic-iowa-state-rep-running-us-senate-against-trump-backed-house-republican