Josh Turek

Joshua Mark Turek is an American politician and athlete currently serving as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing the 20th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Turek has been in office since January 2023 and was reelected in 2024. In addition to his legislative role, he is known for his accomplishments as a wheelchair basketball player, having competed internationally and earned medals in multiple Paralympic Games. Turek is also the Democratic nominee for the 2026 United States Senate election in Iowa.

Early life and career

Josh Turek was born on April 12, 1979, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He is the son of John Turek, a veteran of the United States Navy who served during the Vietnam War and later became a vocational school administrator, and Luellen Turek, who worked as a social worker and community college instructor. Growing up in a family with three sisters and a brother, Turek faced unique challenges from an early age due to being born with spina bifida. This condition necessitated multiple surgeries throughout his childhood to enhance his mobility, and he has utilized a wheelchair since he was young.

Turek's athletic journey began in seventh grade when he started playing wheelchair basketball. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, where he likely developed both his academic and athletic skills. Following high school, Turek pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in history from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2002. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration from DeVry University, further enhancing his educational background.

Legislative service

Turek's political career began when he announced his candidacy for the Iowa House of Representatives in March 2022, specifically for the 20th district. His election campaign was competitive, culminating in a narrow victory confirmed by a recount, where he won by a margin of six votes against his Republican opponent. Turek officially took office on January 9, 2023, marking a significant milestone as he became the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa legislature.

During his tenure, Turek has focused on a range of issues, particularly those affecting individuals with disabilities. He has been an advocate for bipartisan legislation aimed at removing Medicaid income limits for employed Iowans with disabilities. This initiative seeks to promote workforce participation without jeopardizing essential healthcare coverage. Turek's commitment to disability policy reflects his personal experiences and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

In addition to disability-related issues, Turek has engaged in agricultural legislation. He co-sponsored a bipartisan right-to-repair bill that mandates agricultural equipment manufacturers to provide necessary parts, software, and repair tools to farmers and independent mechanics at fair and reasonable prices. This legislation, which passed the Iowa House in 2026, underscores Turek's focus on supporting local farmers and ensuring they have access to the resources needed for their operations.

Turek's committee assignments in the Iowa House include the Health and Human Services Committee and the Health Policy Oversight Committee. He has also served on the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources committees and held the position of ranking member on the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee. These roles have allowed him to influence various policy areas and advocate for his constituents effectively.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Turek has identified himself as a moderate Democrat and a "prairie populist," emphasizing common-sense solutions to the issues facing his constituents. His policy focus encompasses health care, agriculture, and disability rights, reflecting the diverse needs of the 20th district, which has historically leaned Republican in presidential elections.

In the realm of health care, Turek supports the introduction of a public health insurance option and advocates for the restoration of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. He has expressed opposition to cuts in Medicaid and has committed to reversing spending cuts that have been enacted under previous legislation. Turek has also been vocal about the need to restore abortion protections previously established by Roe v. Wade, highlighting the impact of Iowa's six-week abortion ban on the availability of OB-GYN services in the state.

Turek's agricultural policy positions include support for right-to-repair legislation, which aims to empower farmers by ensuring they can access the necessary tools and parts for their equipment. He has also advocated for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork, transparency in fertilizer pricing, and incentives for practices that promote water quality. These positions reflect his commitment to supporting local agriculture and addressing the concerns of farmers in his district.

In addition to his legislative work, Turek has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in the 2026 election, where he will face the Republican nominee. His campaign is expected to build on his experiences and policy positions developed during his time in the Iowa House of Representatives.

Through his legislative service and advocacy, Turek aims to address the needs of his constituents while promoting policies that reflect his values and experiences. His unique background as a disabled athlete and his commitment to public service position him as a notable figure in Iowa politics.