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Campaign Almanac: Labor union backs Josh Turek for U.S. Senate in Iowa
Also, Linn County lawmaker endorses Adam Steen in Iowa governor’s race
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A labor union representing Iowa and Nebraska workers in health care, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing and retail shops has endorsed state Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race, citing his record on worker protections and support for organized labor.
“Every day our union fights for essential worker protections in tough industries like meatpacking and health care,” Leo Kanne, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 222IN, said in a statement released by Turek’s campaign. “We need someone in Washington who understands what it means to struggle and won't give up on workers when the going gets rough — that’s Josh Turek. Josh is the fighter we need for the working class.”
The union highlighted Turek’s pro-union voting record in the Iowa Legislature and noted that he recently criticized Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson for voting against the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers.
Iowa’s four Republican U.S. House members split on the Protect America’s Workforce Act, with Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn joining Democrats to pass the bill restoring collective bargaining rights for federal workers, while Hinson and Rep. Randy Feenstra voted against.
The House approved the measure 231-195 on Dec. 11 that would counter an executive order issued in March by President Donald Trump that stripped collective bargaining rights from hundreds of thousands of federal workers, citing national security.
Hinson told The Des Moines Register she supports fair pay, benefits and safe conditions for federal workers, but argued that employees at national security agencies should not unionize, backing Trump’s executive order so they can stay focused on protecting the country rather than engaging in labor disputes.
Hinson and former state legislator Jim Carlin of Sioux City are campaigning for the GOP nomination to succeed Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, who announced earlier this year that she will not seek a third, six-year term in 2026.
Turek is one of four Democrats seeking the party’s nomination in Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate election. The other Democrats running are state legislators Zach Wahls of Coralville, former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce leader Nathan Sage of Indianola, and veterans advocate Bob Krause of Burlington.
Wahls also criticized Hinson for her vote.
Tuesday’s endorsement adds to a growing list of labor and political supporters for Turek, including the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 39, former Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, former Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson, and dozens of current and former elected officials.
“I’m honored to have the endorsement of UFCW Local 222,” Turek said in a statement. “At a time when working class people are struggling to get by, unions are helping win back important benefits, like pensions, for their workers. We need strong unions to push back against corporate consolidation and keep workers safe. Unions built the middle class, and when I’m in Washington, I’ll continue protecting and expanding the rights of all workers.”
Sen. Charlie McClintock endorses Steen for governor
State Sen. Charlie McClintock, R-Alburnett, has endorsed Adam Steen for governor, adding another legislative backer to Steen’s campaign.
McClintock said he is backing Steen because of his leadership skills, strategic vision to foster economic growth, prosperity, financial security and government transparency, and what he described as Steen’s strong engagement with Iowans and understanding of their needs, calling him the kind of “people’s governor” the state needs.
“Candidate endorsements are not given, they are earned, and Adam has certainly proven himself worthy of mine,” McClintock said in a statement released by Steen’s campaign. “… He has demonstrated a sincere understanding of our needs and has committed himself to shaping policy reflecting our interests.”
Steen said the endorsement underscores the campaign’s focus on people-centered leadership.
“I’m grateful for Senator McClintock’s endorsement,” Steen said in a statement. “Charlie understands that leadership starts with listening to the people and delivering results. I’m honored by his confidence as we work to build a stronger, more transparent Iowa.”
Steen is one of five Republicans running for the 2026 GOP nomination. The others are western Iowa U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Hull, state legislator Eddie Andrews of Johnston, business owner Zach Lahn of Belle Plaine, and pastor and former state legislator Brad Sherman of Williamsburg.
Iowa will elect a new governor next year after Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has held the post since 2017, announced she will not seek another four-year term.
Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau
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