State Senator Molly Donahue represents Iowa Senate district 37, covering part of Cedar Rapids and Marion.
At a time when Iowa faces real challenges—health care access, mental health services, education funding, and the rising cost of living—voters are looking for leadership rooted in lived experience and a genuine commitment to public service. In this Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, Josh Turek offers exactly that.
Turek’s story reflects resilience, service, and results. As a Paralympian, he represented the United States on the world stage, demonstrating discipline, focus, and determination at the highest level. But what makes him uniquely qualified for public office is how he has carried those qualities into his work here in Iowa. In the state legislature, Turek has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and pragmatic leader—someone who listens carefully, builds relationships, and acts with purpose.
His commitment to service did not begin or end with athletics. After his Paralympic career, Turek continued his work through nonprofit efforts that expand opportunities for children with disabilities. He has helped create access to sports, community, and support systems that too often remain out of reach. He understands firsthand how transformative those opportunities can be because he once depended on them himself. That perspective shapes his policy making and keeps his focus on what matters most: improving people’s lives.
Nowhere is that focus more urgent than in mental health care. Across Iowa, families are navigating a system that is too often difficult to access and stretched too thin—especially in rural communities. Turek has consistently advocated for expanding mental health services, strengthening subacute care systems, and investing in early intervention. These are not abstract policy goals; they are essential supports for Iowans facing real challenges every day.
Turek also recognizes that for many families, the most pressing concerns are financial. The rising cost of housing, the strain of child care, and the burden of health care bills have created real pressure on working Iowans. He has supported policies aimed at making everyday life more affordable: increasing access to quality, affordable child care so parents can participate fully in the workforce; addressing housing shortages so families and seniors can find stable homes; and working to reduce health care costs so people are not forced to choose between care and other basic needs.
That commitment extends clearly to women’s health care. Turek believes decisions about health care belong to patients and their doctors—not politicians. He has worked to protect access to comprehensive reproductive care and to ensure that women across Iowa can receive the medical services they need without unnecessary barriers.
Education is another area where Turek’s leadership has been consistent. Iowa’s public schools have long been a source of pride, but years of underfunding have put that legacy at risk. Turek has supported responsible funding for schools, backed educators, and worked to ensure that every child—regardless of zip code—has the opportunity to succeed. Strong schools remain essential to strong communities, and he understands that connection.
In today’s political climate, one of the most important qualities a candidate can bring is the ability to connect across divides. Turek has demonstrated that ability. He has twice been elected an Iowa House district that favored Donald Trump—one of few Democrats to do so. That record shows his message resonates beyond party lines and that he can build the broad coalition needed to succeed in a general election.
What ultimately sets Turek apart is not only his policy work, but his approach to leadership. He brings people together. He collaborates without losing sight of core values. He understands that meaningful progress requires both conviction and cooperation. In just a few years in the legislature, he has shown a level of effectiveness that many strive to achieve over much longer careers.
Iowans value hard work, fairness, and a commitment to community. Josh Turek reflects those values. His record shows that leadership is not about attention—it’s about doing the work and delivering results.
This primary offers voters a clear choice: a candidate who understands Iowa’s challenges and has demonstrated the ability to address them with integrity, accountability, compassion, focus, and effectiveness. Josh Turek has shown he is prepared for that responsibility and can win.
Editor’s note: Bleeding Heartland welcomes guest commentaries by any Democratic candidate running for office in 2026, or by their supporters. Please read these guidelines and contact Laura Belin if you are interested in writing.