Democratic Senate hopeful Josh Turek skips nearly 60% of Iowa House votes

State Representative Josh Turek, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Joni Ernst, missed 261 votes in the Iowa House from Jan. 12 to May 3, amounting to nearly 60% of all roll calls. The Iowa House chief clerk disclosed that Turek received $20,100 in legislative per diem during that timeframe. Records show that many absences occurred while Turek was campaigning and fundraising outside Iowa, including a week in Southern California that raised about $43,000 and a period in Washington, D.C. that generated roughly $36,500.

Opponent Rep. Ashley Hinson, the Republican Senate candidate, has used the attendance record to question Turek’s commitment, citing specific missed votes on rural health, education standards, and veterans funding. Turek’s campaign countered by noting Hinson’s own missed votes for a defense funding fundraiser and emphasizing his bipartisan record in the state House.