A Democratic state lawmaker from Iowa now has the backing of a former president as he prepares to challenge a Trump-endorsed Republican for a U.S. Senate seat opening up in 2026. Former President Barack Obama released a video endorsement of state Rep. Josh Turek that featured the two shooting hoops together in a modified game of horse, setting up a general election contest where Obama and President Donald Trump will be supporting opposing candidates.
Turek, who competed in four Paralympic Games and won two gold medals in wheelchair basketball, clinched the Democratic nomination and will square off against U.S. House Republican Ashley Hinson this November. Hinson entered the contest after Republican Sen. Joni Ernst revealed she would not run for another term in 2026, and Trump threw his support behind Hinson soon after she announced her candidacy for the seat.
Basketball Metaphor Takes Center Stage
Obama used the basketball-themed video to urge Iowans to support Turek while referencing his own success in the state. “Now the ball’s in your court, Iowa. Let’s make sure that we send Josh Turek to the United States Senate,” Obama said. The former president reminded viewers he knows “a little somethin’ about winning Iowa,” a nod to his victories there in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential races. Obama highlighted Turek’s Paralympic achievements as evidence of the candidate’s competitive drive and resilience. After winning his party’s nomination on June 2, 2026, Turek addressed supporters at a primary night rally in Des Moines, Iowa.
Two National Figures Back Opposing Sides
The contest has emerged as one of the most scrutinized Senate battles of the 2026 election cycle. On June 1, Hinson appeared at a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, the day before Turek secured his primary win. She has centered her campaign on supporting Trump’s policy agenda, and his endorsement has strengthened her standing with both primary voters and the wider conservative electorate. Her decision to jump into the race early provided her with advantages in both fundraising and campaign infrastructure.
Obama’s decision to weigh in signals Democratic leaders believe the race is winnable despite Iowa’s rightward shift in recent election cycles. The state moved decisively toward the GOP in the years after Obama’s 2012 victory there, making statewide Democratic campaigns an uphill climb. Party strategists are eyeing the seat as part of a wider push to reduce Republican dominance in the Senate.
Questions About Obama’s Political Impact
The endorsement drew criticism from some conservative commentators who questioned Obama’s effectiveness as a political kingmaker. OutKick founder Clay Travis and host Sean Hannity discussed Obama’s track record, citing his endorsements of Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris as proof his political instincts have weakened. Travis took aim at Obama’s characterization of himself as transitioning from a “player to coach” in the Democratic Party.
Despite such critiques, Obama continues to hold significant sway within Democratic ranks, maintaining his status as one of the party’s most visible leaders well after leaving office. His endorsement of Turek came following the June 18 dedication event for the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Jackson Park, which highlighted his continuing role in shaping Democratic politics and national conversations.
High Stakes for November Showdown
The race now carries the hallmarks of a proxy fight between two towering figures in American politics, with Trump backing one side and Obama supporting the other. A win for Turek would mark a significant turnaround for Democrats in a state that has grown increasingly hostile to their candidates. A Hinson victory would reinforce Republican strength in Iowa and bolster Trump’s clout as an endorser as the 2026 midterms progress. The battle for this Senate seat is expected to attract substantial national focus and campaign spending as November draws closer, with both parties viewing the outcome as critical to their broader electoral strategies.