Disabled Iowa Legislator Seen as Potential Statewide Candidate

Congressman Ro Khanna and former Senator Tom Harkin praise Josh Turek's personal story and political potential.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:06am

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In a wide-ranging interview, Iowa state representative Josh Turek, who has overcome significant personal challenges due to spina bifida, is emerging as a potential statewide candidate for the U.S. Senate. Turek's compelling life story and ability to connect with voters in both rural and urban areas have caught the attention of political observers like journalist Douglas Burns, who has been closely following Turek's campaign.

Why it matters

Turek's candidacy could provide Democrats in Iowa with an electable statewide candidate who can bridge the urban-rural divide, a challenge the party has faced in recent election cycles. His personal story of overcoming disability and economic hardship also resonates with many Iowans struggling with the changing economy.

The details

Turek, a Democrat representing a Republican-leaning district in western Iowa, has won over voters with his authenticity and ability to connect on issues like the rural economy. After losing his family's local newspaper business, Burns was impressed by Turek's empathy and insights during an interview, recognizing his potential to be a unifying figure. Turek has also received praise from political veterans like former Senator Tom Harkin, who drew parallels between Turek's disability and the challenges facing the country.

  • Turek is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.
  • Burns first interviewed Turek at a Harkin Institute event in late 2022, shortly after Burns' family newspaper was sold.

The players

Josh Turek

An Iowa state representative who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. Turek has overcome significant personal challenges due to spina bifida and is seen as a potentially electable statewide candidate.

Ro Khanna

A Democratic Congressman from California's Silicon Valley who is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Tom Harkin

A former Democratic U.S. Senator from Iowa who praised Turek's personal story and potential to lead a 'disabled nation'.

Douglas Burns

A veteran Iowa journalist who has been closely following Turek's campaign and recognizes his potential to bridge the urban-rural divide.

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What they’re saying

“'I think probably 85% or 90% of the people who are in my sort of condition, or with similar disabilities, this situation breaks them and they don't go on to live meaningful, successful lives. But the ones who do come through are stronger, and those make the most interesting, hard-core people. Some of those that get broken become harder in the broken places. It's totally true. The struggle builds the character. If you can get through that and it doesn't completely break you, it makes you stronger, a much more interesting individual.'”

— Josh Turek, Iowa State Representative

“'There was this old saying about Franklin Roosevelt. I'm going to use the old vernacular. 'It took a crippled man to lead a crippled nation.' Well, we don't use those words anymore, so we say, 'It took a disabled man to lead a disabled nation.' Need I tell you that we are somewhat disabled in our country right now?'”

— Tom Harkin, Former U.S. Senator

What’s next

Turek is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, and his campaign will be closely watched as he aims to become a unifying figure for the party in Iowa.

The takeaway

Turek's personal story of overcoming disability and economic hardship resonates with many Iowans, and his ability to connect with voters in both rural and urban areas could make him an electable statewide candidate for Democrats in Iowa.