Iowa voters sent Democrat Josh Turek to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, ousting Republican incumbent Ashley Hinson and making him the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Iowa since 2008, according to Firstpost's midterm results roundup.
The national picture was just as grim for Republicans. Democrats won control of both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, ending the GOP's 53-47 Senate majority and its slim 220-215 House edge. Voters delivered a landslide rebuke amid anger over living costs, tariffs and the Iran war, which sent fuel prices soaring.
Turek's upset in Iowa
Turek, a state representative and Paralympic medalist, built his campaign around affordability and appeals to working-class and independent voters. He criticized Trump's tariffs and other administration policies he argued were hurting Iowa farmers and families.
The win marks a dramatic reversal in a state that has trended heavily Republican in recent years. Hinson's defeat was one of several Republican losses in races that had been considered safe.
Senate flips across the map
Texas state Rep. James Talarico ended a decades-long Democratic drought in the Lone Star State, defeating scandal-plagued Attorney General Ken Paxton. Fortune reported that Elon Musk spent more than $200 million to help elect Paxton, a sum that failed to move the needle.
In Georgia, Jon Ossoff trounced Republican Rep. Mike Collins, dashing GOP hopes of picking up a seat. Five-term Maine Sen. Susan Collins, long seen as a centrist, lost to Democrat Troy Jackson, who painted her as beholden to President Trump.
House falls to Democrats
Democrats captured the House as predicted, with several high-profile wins. In Florida's 22nd District, former school principal Pia Dandiya beat Republican Casey Askar. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota secured a fifth term, and California Democrats Ro Khanna, Ami Bera and Washington's Pramila Jayapal all held their seats.
Republican Max Miller, a former Trump aide, lost Ohio's 7th District to union worker Brian Poindexter amid domestic assault allegations. In Florida's 25th, Democrat Jared Moskowitz defeated former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer.
Governor races deliver more GOP losses
Democrats also swept many of the 36 gubernatorial contests. In Ohio, Amy Acton stunned Vivek Ramaswamy, becoming the state's first Democrat elected governor since 2006 and its first woman governor. Ramaswamy's campaign drew outrage after releasing an ad featuring Acton's estranged mother, which he later pulled.
Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Greg Abbott, becoming the first Latina governor of Texas and the first Democrat elected to the post in 30 years. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms beat Republican Rick Jackson to become the state's first Black and first female governor.
In New York, Republican Saritha Komatireddy lost the attorney general race to incumbent Letitia James.
What it means for Iowa
For Iowa farmers and families, Turek's victory signals a shift in how the state's voters view trade and economic policy. His campaign focused squarely on tariffs and their impact on agricultural exports, a message that resonated in a state where farming remains a cornerstone of the economy.
With Democrats now controlling Congress, Iowa's agricultural interests will face a new legislative landscape. Turek has pledged to fight for working-class Iowans and to push back on policies he says have squeezed family budgets.
The results also raise questions about the GOP's standing in the Midwest heading into 2028. Republicans will need to reassess their message on affordability and trade if they hope to win back seats like Iowa's.
FAQ
Who won Iowa's U.S. Senate race in 2026?
Democrat Josh Turek defeated Republican incumbent Ashley Hinson, becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Iowa since 2008.
Did Democrats win control of Congress?
Yes. Democrats won both the Senate and the House, ending Republican majorities in both chambers.
Who lost the Ohio governor's race?
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy lost to Democrat Amy Acton, who became Ohio's first woman governor and first Democrat elected to the office since 2006.