Josh Turek, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa, has expressed support for President Donald Trump’s border policies over those of former President Joe Biden. Turek highlighted areas of potential collaboration with the Republican president, should he win the upcoming election.
During an interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl on This Week, Turek stated, “I agree with Trump. He’s done a better job on the border than Biden, for sure.” He also agreed with Trump on several issues, including the need to curb private equity in housing, healthcare, and nursing homes. Turek backs the idea of no tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security.
His campaign emphasizes a willingness to work with Trump on immigration. A campaign advertisement features Turek’s commitment to secure the border and stop drug flows into Iowa, stating, “In the U.S. Senate, I’ll work with anyone to fix it, including President Trump.”
Identifying himself as a “proud moderate” and a “commonsense prairie populist,” Turek’s priorities include establishing a livable wage, affordable housing, addressing healthcare and pharmaceutical costs, ensuring clean water, reducing Iowa’s cancer rate, improving public schools, and combating corruption.
When asked about the Democratic Party’s political positioning, Turek chose not to generalize. He stated, “I don’t think a lot about the party as a whole. I think about myself, and I think about Iowa.”
Turek’s campaign against Republican Representative Ashley Hinson is crucial as Trump, who endorses Hinson, won Iowa by 13 points in 2024, defeating former Vice President Kamala Harris. A Democratic win could significantly impact the party’s efforts to regain Senate control.
Turek refrains from criticizing Trump voters, acknowledging the president’s concerns about grocery prices, corruption, electricity costs, and military engagements. Yet, Turek criticizes the socioeconomic outcomes under Trump’s administration, citing increased wealth concentration. He also disapproves of Trump’s foreign policy, particularly concerning Iran and trade tariffs.
Turek highlights his bipartisan achievements and insists on voting based on the best interests of his district and conscience, avoiding partisan divides.
Newsweek reached out to Turek’s campaign by email for further comments.
Hinson’s Perspective on Border and Immigration
Republican Representative Ashley Hinson prioritizes immigration, as expressed in past discussions with reporters. She encourages utilising available options like the CDP One app, provided by the Department of Homeland Security, for potential legal immigration pathways.
In response to concerns about agricultural labor shortages, Hinson promotes a workforce visa to ensure legal immigration solutions for critical industries, clarifying, “This is a workforce visa, not an amnesty issue.”
Newsweek reached out to Hinson’s campaign by email for further comments.
Border Security Gains Bipartisan Attention
Trump’s hardline border enforcement defines his presidency, as his continuation of the border wall illustrates. Turek’s comments come amidst a surge in U.S.-Mexico border migrations during the Biden era, a central reason for Trump’s electoral success, according to the Associated Press.
The AP’s study of migrant self-reported destinations showed rising numbers during Trump’s initial term and substantial increases under Biden. Notably, Biden’s asylum restrictions in June 2024, followed by Trump’s return and subsequent asylum suspension, significantly reduced border crossings.
Other Democrats, like Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, advocate for intensified border security. Talarico, though critical of Trump’s broader immigration policies, supports augmenting Border Patrol personnel, expanding surveillance, adding judges, and erecting physical barriers where necessary.
This story was produced by Newsweek’s AI assistant, Martyn. Contact Newsweek editors Anthony Murray and Steve Mollman for more information.