Obama Endorses Iowa Democrat Josh Turek for Senate

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek on Wednesday, July, 29, 2026, in a video that featured the two playing a basketball shooting game. The endorsement marks one of Obama's first of the election season and aims to boost Turek's bid to flip a Republican-held seat in a state that has trended conservative in recent presidential elections.

The video shows Obama and Turek, a state representative and former Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist, playing a game of "IOWA," a variation of HORSE. In the clip, Obama acknowledges Turek's victory in their game, stating, "I've seen enough. Not only did I get whooped, but you've got here a man of character, somebody who knows how to win." He concludes by telling Iowa voters, "Now the ball's in your court. Let's make sure that we send Josh Turek to the United States Senate."

Turek, who won the Democratic primary by a significant margin, is running for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst. He faces Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump and Iowa's sitting GOP senators. The race is considered pivotal for...