Iowa Democratic Senate hopeful says Trump outperformed Biden on border security
Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek told a TV interview that Donald Trump handled the border better than Joe Biden and pledged to work with the president on immigration issues.
Josh Turek, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa, told a television program that Donald Trump has done a better job securing the border than Joe Biden. He said he would be willing to collaborate with the Republican president to stop drug trafficking into Iowa and to address immigration concerns. Turek also called for eliminating private-equity control of housing, health care, and nursing homes, and for removing taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits.
Describing himself as a "proud moderate" and "commonsense prairie populist," he listed priorities such as a livable wage, affordable housing, clean water and better public schools. While refusing to label the Democratic Party as too left-leaning, he emphasized focusing on Iowa’s needs rather than party politics. The remarks arrive as Turek campaigns against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has Trump’s endorsement, in a pivotal Senate race that could affect Senate control.
Why it matters
The candidate’s stance signals a rare bipartisan approach that could reshape voter expectations in a key Senate contest.
How this story developed
- Oct 8 Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico sidelined by flu as campaign heats up
- Oct 11 Paxton’s campaign began circulating missing‑person flyers depicting Talarico.
- Oct 12 An audio recording alleging Talarico’s discharge from a mental‑health facility was released, prompting the Lindner Center’s denial.
- Oct 13 A new ReconMR poll shows Greg Abbott narrowly leading Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, reversing a previous deficit as the race tightens.
- Oct 15 JD Vance publicly backs Ken Paxton and attacks James Talarico's sex‑education stance.
- Oct 18 Campaigns and outside groups have poured almost $80 million into at least 164 AI-created or enhanced political ads as of early September, sparking criticism and ridicule.
- Oct 21 Talarico released new TV ads focusing on border security and data‑center tax breaks.
- Oct 24 Brown’s candidacy adds a third‑party perspective to the Texas Senate contest.
- Oct 24 Wesleyan University released new research showing $137 million in spending on AI‑generated ads.
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