Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek cast Iowa’s contest against Republican Ashley Hinson as a chance for “generational change” during final campaign stops Monday, the day before voters choose who will succeed retiring Sen. Joni Ernst.
Turek campaigned in western Iowa with former Sen. Tom Harkin, who represented the state in Washington for three decades. At a canvassing event in Le Mars, Turek told supporters the race could be the closest Senate contest in the country, according to CBS News.
Harkin showed Turek a Kalshi market displaying a 52% chance of a Turek win and 48% for Hinson. Those figures reflected market odds, not a poll or the election result.
Economic concerns dominate closing arguments
Turek focused his closing message on high fuel costs, tariffs, health care and Iowa’s cancer rates. He argued that Hinson had not done enough to challenge President Donald Trump over tariffs and the war in Iran, which Turek said had hurt the state.
He also presented himself as open to working with Trump, saying he agreed with the president on eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, as well as on keeping private equity out of housing. Turek said he would seek common ground where possible.
Hinson has described herself as an “Iowa common-sense conservative” and argued that Turek is too liberal for the state. She has also called for the Iran war to end, saying lower energy prices should be a priority. The candidates are competing for a rare open Senate seat, with Libertarian Thomas Laehn also on the ballot, The Associated Press reported.
Iowa polling places are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., according to the Iowa Secretary of State.
Nicole French