Turek, a self-proclaimed prairie populist, secures the Democratic nomination in Iowa.

National Democrats and Senator Tom Harkin's support helped Turek secure the Democratic nomination over Wahls in Iowa. Now he'll face off against Republican candidate Ashley Hinson, backed by Trump and top GOP officials.

Josh Turek, Iowa State Representative and self-proclaimed "prairie populist," claimed the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, setting himself up as a potential candidate in November to represent the party in the farm-belt state, which hasn't seen a senator from its ranks since 2008.

National Democrats and former Senator Tom Harkin are supporting Turek, a self-proclaimed prairie populist, in his bid for office. With a decisive margin of 63.7% to 36.3%, he outpaced state Senator Zach Wahls in Iowa's Democratic primary. He'll now face off against Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, who secured her party's nomination for the vacant seat.

In a surprising turn of events, Zach Lahn, an Iowa entrepreneur and agricultural specialist, emerged victorious in the Republican primary for governor, outpacing three other contenders. Among his opponents was U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, who had secured President Donald Trump's endorsement.

Feenstra trailed closely behind Lahn in the Iowa primary, with a margin of just 0.78%.

Rob Sand, Iowa's state auditor, secured the Democratic nomination for governor without opposition to challenge Lahn in November elections.

The Democratic Party is counting on Iowa to deliver significant gains in November's midterm elections, a challenge made more daunting by the state's struggling agricultural economy, heavily impacted by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran that Trump initiated in February. This has led to disruptions in oil transportation and increased costs from tariffs on imported goods.

Joni Ernst's retirement from Congress has sparked Democratic optimism about capturing her Iowa seat, which could give them a crucial advantage in the Senate. Turek and Hinson are vying to succeed Ernst, a two-term senator with military background.

A 47-year-old Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist, Turek boasts an electoral track record in Republican strongholds, which his supporters believe will enable him to connect with disillusioned Republicans and independents amidst growing economic unease. His platform emphasizes vital issues for working-class families, including healthcare access, a living wage and affordable housing.

Congresswoman Hinson, a 42-year-old three-term incumbent with news anchor experience, garners support from prominent figures including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Ernst, as well as backing from the influential Trump. Her stance on same-sex marriage legislation has been notable, while she advocates for Trump's proposed 2025 tax-cut and spending bill.

Iowa's open Senate seat is considered a strong hold for Republicans, analysts agree. A recent RealClearPolitics.com poll shows Turek narrowly ahead of his opponents by just one percentage point in November's election.