Turek projected to flip Iowa Senate seat for Democrats

Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek is projected to win Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat, defeating Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and flipping a seat held by Republicans, according to election projections. The reports do not provide a certified final tally. The race was for the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, who served two terms. Turek’s projected victory comes in a state that had been competitive before Republicans gained strength during Donald Trump’s political rise. In the weeks before Election Day, polling between Turek and Hinson was tight, and Democrats invested in the contest as they sought to expand the Senate map. Turek campaigned on his ability to work across party lines and appeal to rural voters. At an October 7 debate, he said he had built relationships with Republicans in the Iowa Legislature and argued that voters wanted bipartisan solutions. He also highlighted the strain that higher fuel costs have placed on farming and sought to connect with communities beyond the state’s urban areas. Economic pressures in farm country, including rising diesel and fertilizer prices and disputes over tariffs, were among the issues in the race. Turek’s campaign...