Many Democrats to vie for a spot in Iowa's Senate election, a fourth contender steps in
In the race to unseat Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa, state representative Josh Turek has thrown his hat into the ring, adding to an increasingly crowded and competitive Democratic primary field. Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, brings a compelling personal story and a moderate Democratic message focused on working-class issues like healthcare, housing, and costs of living.
Turek's candidacy has increased the number of Democratic contenders to at least five, including established figures like state Sen. Zach Wahls, former Michelle Obama aide Jackie Norris, J.D. Scholten, and Nathan Sage. This reflects optimism among Democrats about making the race competitive despite Iowa's GOP tilt.
The entry of Turek emphasizes a shift toward a "common sense, moderate Democrat" approach, with Turek framing the race as a choice between those prioritizing working families and those favoring billionaires and corporate interests. Turek's personal narrative of overcoming adversity, having been born with spina bifida, is hoped to inspire voters and distinguish him within the diverse Democratic field.
Overall, Turek’s entry highlights a Democratic strategy focusing on relatable, working-class issues and moderate policies to challenge Ernst in a red state, with multiple candidates now competing to define the party’s best path forward in Iowa's 2026 Senate primary.
Meanwhile, on the international stage:
- US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on India over its purchase of Russian oil, ratcheting up tensions with the world's most populous nation.
- India and Brazil moved to resist US trade pressure, in a sign of how the White House's economic policies are alienating friendly nations.
- In a significant development, nearly seven in 10 Ukrainians now say they want a negotiated end to the war with Russia.
- The US trade deficit shrank in June to its lowest level in nearly two years, as a pre-tariff rush to import goods subsided.
- The US endorsed laws recently approved in El Salvador that will allow President Nayib Bukele to remain in power indefinitely.
- Russia and the US are planning to meet bilaterally over the conflict in Ukraine, despite the Kremlin downplaying the possibility of three-way talks.
- A significant majority of Ukrainians now favor a negotiated settlement to the war, according to new Gallup research.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin this week met the US special envoy, and an agreement has apparently been reached for the Russian and American leaders to meet.
In other news:
- OpenAI unveiled GPT-5 Thursday, a long-awaited milestone in the company's AI capabilities and the latest salvo in a hotly contested battle between tech giants and heavily funded startups for AI supremacy.
- Apple will invest an additional $100 billion in US manufacturing, following a $500 billion pledge earlier this year.
- Wildfires are causing significant damage across parts of Canada, the US, and southern France, with changing weather patterns being a major factor.
- The Israeli government backed a plan to take control of Gaza, but stopped short of explicitly supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intention to control the entire enclave.
- The proposed change could potentially affect the balance of power in Congress, with blue states like California and New York, as well as red states like Florida and Texas, at risk of losing House seats.
Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories.
- Josh Turek's entry to the Iowa Senate primary race demonstrates a strategic focus by Democrats on common sense, moderate policies and relatable, working-class issues.
- On the international stage, US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on India over Russian oil purchases is escalating tensions with the world's most populous nation.
- In the realm of technology, OpenAI's unveiling of GPT-5 signifies a significant advancement in AI capabilities, adding to the competition among tech giants and startups for AI supremacy.
- Meanwhile, Apple is committing an additional $100 billion to US manufacturing, following an earlier pledge of $500 billion.
