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07/29 06:48 CDT Obama endorses Iowa Democrat Turek for the US Senate in a video
of them playing basketball
Obama endorses Iowa Democrat Turek for the US Senate in a video of them playing
basketball
By HANNAH FINGERHUT
Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) --- Iowa Democrat Josh Turek got an assist Wednesday from
former President Barack Obama, who endorsed his bid to flip a Republican-held
U.S. Senate seat in a video of the two shooting hoops.
The seat held by retiring two-term Sen. Joni Ernst is among the tough targeted
races for Democrats navigating a narrow path to winning the Senate majority.
Turek faces Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has been endorsed by
President Donald Trump.
Trump won Iowa by double digits in the last presidential election, and it's
been more than a decade since a Democrat represented Iowa in the Senate. Still,
Democrats think they have a fighting chance this cycle.
Turek, a state representative, played wheelchair basketball for the United
States in four Paralympic Games. In the video, Turek and Obama play a game of
I-O-W-A instead of horse.
"I know a little something about winning Iowa," Obama says, a reference to his
2008 caucus victory that launched the little-known U.S. senator from Illinois
to the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama also carried Iowa in both the
2008 and 2012 general elections.
"Of all the things I've done in politics, Iowa was my favorite thing," Obama
goes on. "There was just a magic about regular folks showing up."
With months to go before the midterm elections, Obama is already throwing his
weight behind candidates this cycle. He joined U.S. Senate candidate James
Talarico at a taco shop in Texas in May.
Known for his love of basketball, Obama had the White House tennis court
modified so he could play basketball and had a professional grade basketball
court installed at his Presidential Center. He met WNBA players, including Iowa
native Caitlin Clark, at that court last week.
Against Turek, Obama says he got "whooped."
"Now the ball's in your court, Iowa," Obama says. "Let's make sure that we send
Josh Turek to the United States Senate."
___
Follow the AP's coverage of the 2026 election at
https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.
