Paralympian Josh Turek Wins Iowa U.S. Senate Seat

“We have proven that the impossible was possible,” Josh Turek said after securing a win in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race.

A former Paralympian with spina bifida will soon fill a U.S. Senate seat once held by a key architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Disability Scoop reported. Turek defeated Rep. Ashley Hinson last week in the race to represent Iowa in Congress’ upper chamber.

“I’ve heard the impossible my whole life,” Turek said following his victory. “Doctors told me and my parents it was impossible for me to live a fulfilled life after I was born with spina bifida. Proved them wrong then. They told me it was impossible to win gold medals after I was cut from the U.S. national team six straight times. Proved them wrong then.”

FULL | Josh Turek delivers victory speech in 2026 Iowa race for US Senate

The victory marks a transition in Washington. Turek will replace retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst when he is sworn in Jan. 3.

Tom Harkin, a Democrat who served as the chief sponsor of the ADA, held the seat for three decades. Turek campaigned as a moderate and is known for dragging his wheelchair up stairs to reach voters.

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“Since I began this, I’ve been saying that it’s going to be something beautifully poetic that the man that is coming to get Sen. Harkin’s seat back is only there because of the work that he did in the United States Senate,” Turek stated.

The incoming senator noted that Harkin’s legislative legacy gave him and so many other disabled Americans an on-ramp on society. Turek competed at four Paralympic Games and won two gold medals in wheelchair basketball, achievements he traces back to a life shaped by accessible public policy.

FULL: Josh Turek Delivers Victory Speech In Iowa After Flipping Senate Seat

Public health context also frames Turek’s personal story. He has stated that his spina bifida stems from his father’s exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Looking ahead to his term in Washington, Turek has pledged to fight for affordable housing and accessible health care.