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Campaign Almanac: Iowa U.S. Senate primary heats up as GOP poll and Democratic divisions collide
Also, Zach Wahls and Josh Turek announce new endorsements in closely watched Democratic primary for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat
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Republicans are wading into Iowa Democrats’ closely watched U.S. Senate primary, circulating an internal poll that appears designed to boost a candidate they view as weaker, as national Democrats quietly signal support for another.
A Feb. 17 memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee published by Politico, shows state Sen. Zach Wahls of Coralville leading state Rep. Josh Turek of Council Bluffs 30 percent to 23 percent, with 42 percent of voters undecided. But the survey has drawn scrutiny.
Respondents were asked to choose between “Josh Turek, who is backed by Chuck Schumer,” and “Zach Wahls, who is aligned with Bernie Sanders” — a characterization that overlooks Wahls’ endorsement of Elizabeth Warren during the 2020 Iowa caucuses.
The memo concludes that “the Democrat primary is more likely to consolidate around Wahls,” a finding Republicans have amplified as they seek to shape perceptions of the race.
Turek’s campaign sharply criticized the effort, accusing national Republicans of attempting to influence the Democratic nomination.
“Iowa Democrats can't allow national Republicans to choose the Democratic nominee,” said Brendan Koch, Turek’s campaign manager, arguing GOP operatives are trying to elevate a candidate they view as weaker in a general election.
The maneuver also comes as Republicans lean into a broader narrative: painting Wahls as too far left while casting Turek as an establishment candidate tied to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — a message aimed at a state where antiestablishment sentiment runs high and many voters express frustration with leaders of both parties.
At the same time, national Democrats have taken steps that could reinforce that framing. A Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee staffer invited donors to a Feb. 19 virtual event supporting Turek, according to an email first reported by The Des Moines Register. The DSCC — which works to elect Democrats to the U.S. Senate and is aligned with Schumer — has not formally endorsed a candidate in the race.
The Wahls campaign pointed to the invitation as evidence of uneven national support, noting the DSCC has not promoted similar events for Wahls.
“I’m focused on making the lives of Iowans better, and always will be,” Wahls said in a statement. “That’s why we’re leading this race and have the strongest support from working families.”
Wahls has been openly critical of Schumer, calling on him to step down from his leadership post in November after some Democrats in the chamber joined Republicans to advance a plan to end a protracted government shutdown fight without securing an extension of health care subsidies.
Debate over “electability” continues to shape the race, with some Iowa and national Democrats concerned that nominating Wahls could hurt the party’s chances of flipping the seat.
Wahls has built a national profile dating back to a viral 2011 speech opposing a same-sex marriage ban affecting his family. Now a state senator from heavily Democratic Johnson County, he has compiled a progressive record that has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, who have sought to tie him to the party’s left flank.
The memo comes on the heels of former primary competitor Nathan Sage dropping out of the race and endorsing Turek. Since dropping out, Sage has been highly critical of Wahls, accusing him of being “artificial” while praising Turek’s authenticity.
Stacey Walker, a former Linn County supervisor who has endorsed Wahls, said in a statement: "Zach Wahls is saying what a lot of Iowans are thinking: This Senate seat doesn't belong to D.C. powerbrokers — it belongs to the people of Iowa. … Iowans should decide who our nominee is, not Chuck Schumer and not D.C. insiders. Zach has been doing the work the right way — showing up, listening, and building a real movement around lowering costs, taking on corruption, and fighting for working people. That's how we win."
Republicans are seizing on the Democratic divide. Allies of Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson — the likely GOP nominee in the race to replace retiring Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst — framed the primary as evidence of turmoil within the Democratic Party.
“This Iowa primary mirrors the messy internal fight within the national Democratic Party,” said Hinson deputy campaign manager Addie Lavis, arguing voters are rejecting establishment leadership in favor of “far-left” figures.
Iowa GOP spokesperson Jade Cichy added that “being a Chuck Schumer-aligned Democrat is no longer a winning pitch to Iowa Democrats.”
The crosscurrents highlight a volatile primary still defined by a large bloc of undecided voters — and increasing efforts from both parties to shape the outcome before Democrats cast their ballots.
The primary election is June 2.
Wahls touts new endorsements from Iowa Democrats
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls on Friday announced a new slate of endorsements from Iowa leaders, framing the support as a rejection of “D.C. establishment” politics amid a competitive primary.
The endorsements include former state Rep. Jerry Kearns, Des Moines School Board member Maria Alonzo, West Liberty City Council member Dana Dominguez, Lee County Democrats Secretary Diane Kearns, North Liberty City Council member Tonja Fortney and former state Rep. Elesha Gayman.
The announcement builds on earlier backing from former state Sen. Rob Hogg and longtime progressive organizer Pete D’Alessandro.
Hogg, known for his work on environmental protection and renewable energy, said he trusts Wahls to represent Iowans’ interests in Washington.
“I served with Zach in the Iowa Senate, and I know that Iowans can trust him to work for our best interests,” Hogg said, calling Wahls “a champion for the poor and working families” who supports clean energy and public health.
Wahls, a state senator from Coralville, said Hogg’s backing underscores shared priorities, particularly on water quality and environmental issues.
“Rob Hogg has always been a steady, principled voice for Iowa, and I’m grateful to have his support,” Wahls said.
He said the endorsements reflect growing support across Iowa for a campaign focused on “taking on corruption” and “delivering real results.”
State Rep. Jennifer Konfrst endorses Turek for U.S. Senate
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek’s campaign is spotlighting a new round of endorsements as he competes in a head-to-head primary against state Sen. Zach Wahls.
Among the latest backers are former U.S. Rep. Tony Coelho of California and Iowa state Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, the former Iowa House minority leader.
Coelho, a longtime Democratic leader and a principal House sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, praised Turek’s candidacy and personal story.
“Josh is one of millions of Americans with disabilities who have had a better life because of good representation in Washington, and now, he’s ready to be that representation,” Coelho said in a statement, adding that Turek is well-positioned to continue the legacy of disability rights advocate, former Iowa U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin.
“I worked closely with Sen. Tom Harkin to pass our landmark legislation, and I know that Josh is the best person to continue our legacy of fighting for the people.”
Turek, a Paralympic gold medalist who was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, said Coelho’s work on the Americans with Disabilities Act helped shape his own life and candidacy.
“I’m running for Senate because I know firsthand what good public policy can do for an individual, and I’m ready to deliver for Iowans,” Turek said.
Konfrst, who served as House Democratic leader and last month suspended her campaign for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, emphasized Turek’s record and character, calling his approach “authentic” and focused on delivering results for Iowans.
“Josh is the real deal, and he won’t change when he gets to Washington,” Konfrst said.
Her endorsement adds to support from more than 50 current and former elected officials, including a majority of Iowa House Democrats, according to the campaign.
The endorsements come as Turek continues to consolidate backing from party leaders and former primary rivals ahead of the June election.
State Sen. Kevin Alons endorses Brad Sherman for Iowa governor
Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Sherman announced this week that he has secured the endorsement of Iowa state Sen. Kevin Alons, who represents northwest Iowa.
Alons, whose district includes Plymouth, Cherokee, Woodbury and Monona counties, praised Sherman’s conservative leadership and faith-based approach in a statement backing his campaign.
“I knew him personally to be a man of true conviction,” Alons said, adding that Sherman has built a grassroots campaign across the state and demonstrated “deep commitment to our Constitution and the biblical principles on which it was founded.”
Sherman welcomed the endorsement, highlighting Alons’ background, including 27 years of military service and his tenure in the Iowa Senate.
“He has established himself as a real conservative leader,” Sherman said.
Sherman, a former state legislator from Williamsburg, is one of five Republicans seeking the party’s nomination in Iowa’s open-seat gubernatorial election this year.
The other Republicans running are U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, of Hull; former state agency director Adam Steen, of Runnells; state legislator Eddie Andrews, of Johnston; and business owner Zach Lahn, of Belle Plaine.
Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds last year announced that she will not run for re-election.
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