In the final days before the 2026 midterm elections, Iowa Democratic Senate hopeful Josh Turek released a television advertisement that directly addresses his stance on transgender participation in sports and on public funding for gender-affirming procedures. The spot, which interweaves personal anecdotes about bullying and his Paralympic background, concludes with a declaration that Iowa taxpayers should not be required to finance “sex changes.”
What the advertisement says
The ad opens with Turek recalling his childhood experience of being in a wheelchair and facing harassment. He then links that history to a broader claim: no Iowan should experience discrimination. From that premise, he pivots to two policy positions. First, he states he opposes “males competing in female sports,” citing Iowa’s existing ban on the practice. Second, he asserts opposition to taxpayer financing of gender-affirming care, a claim he repeats twice for emphasis. The final line urges voters to “stop the nonsense from both extremes” and focus on lowering costs for residents.
Reactions from the Democratic camp and LGBTQ groups
Even before the ad aired, several Iowa Democrats signaled unease. State Representative Aime Wichtendahl, the first openly transgender legislator in the state, called the spot “disappointing,” noting that she and Turek had worked together in the previous legislative session. “You don’t need to throw people under the bus to win elections,” she told local media, adding that such talking points are unlikely to sway voters.
The statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization One Iowa Action issued a strongly worded statement on its Facebook page, declaring that the ad represents a “policy shift” contrary to assurances the candidate had given the group after the primary. The organization accused Turek of lying, noting that he previously pledged his personal beliefs would never translate into legislation. The group further warned that his positions align him with the “most trans-exclusionary federal Democrat on the ballot anywhere in the country.”
Other Democratic figures attempted to defend the candidate. State Representative Adam Zabner praised Turek’s overall record, saying he has witnessed Turek’s commitment to fighting discrimination. Zabner contrasted Turek with Republican challenger Ashley Hinson, arguing that a Hinson victory would deliver another “corrupt D.C. politician” who would slash health-care and food assistance.
Opponent’s counter-attack and broader political stakes
Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson seized on the ad during a campaign rally, accusing Turek of attempting to “play Republican” to win the seat. She highlighted legislation Turek supported that, according to her, restricts transgender students’ access to restrooms matching their gender identity and mandates parental consent for alternative arrangements. Hinson’s campaign framed the issue as evidence of Turek’s “liberal record,” suggesting that his new messaging is inconsistent with his voting history.
The controversy arrives at a moment when the Iowa Senate race is viewed as one of the most competitive contests of the 2026 cycle. No Democrat has won a U.S. Senate seat in Iowa since 2008, yet Turek enjoys the endorsement of former President Barack Obama and polling that hints at a potentially competitive contest. Trans-rights have become a flashpoint, mirroring national battles over gender-affirming care and sports participation.
Despite the uproar, some LGBTQ-linked voters have not altered their support for Turek. Adam Peters, director of operations at the Clock, Inc. LGBT+ Community Center and a Democratic candidate for the state House, said he voted early for Turek and would do so again, emphasizing the ability to dialogue directly with the candidate as a reason to stay aligned.
As the election draws nearer, both campaigns are likely to double down on messaging around cost of living, health-care affordability, and cultural issues. Whether Turek’s ad will galvanize conservative-leaning voters or alienate the party’s base remains uncertain, but the backlash underscores the growing intensity of transgender-rights debates inside Iowa’s political arena.
