Turek's Immigration Record Contradicts 'Common-Sense' Pitch in Iowa Senate Race

Iowa Democrat U.S. Senate nominee Josh Turek has spent months casting himself as a moderate who can appeal to voters across the political spectrum. But his official legislative newsletter advising illegal immigrants on how to avoid ICE detention tells a different story, one that Republican opponent Ashley Hinson is eager to highlight.

Turek, a state representative since 2023, is running against Hinson for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst. He has described himself as a prairie populist and a common-sense lawmaker. His campaign materials emphasize bipartisanship and tax cuts.

Yet his immigration record undercuts that message. Turek's taxpayer-funded legislative newsletter included a section titled Know Your Rights as an Immigrant, which linked directly to the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights page and offered guidance for illegal immigrants navigating encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Given the recent policy changes enacted by the Trump administration on both legal and illegal immigrants, I wanted to provide a thorough list of your rights and how they apply in different scenarios. The ACLU is a great resource that provides tips on what to do in various situations.

That guidance appeared in an official government communication, raising questions about whether Turek's taxpayer-funded office should be helping illegal immigrants evade federal law enforcement.

What has Turek said about citizenship for illegal immigrants?

Turek first called for an easier pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants in April. He repeated that phrase this month in an interview with the Cedar Rapids Gazette. His position aligns with the far-left wing of his party, not the moderate image he projects on the campaign trail.

How did Turek vote on immigration enforcement in Iowa?

Turek's voting record in the Iowa House shows a consistent pattern of opposition to immigration enforcement. He voted to restrict Iowa law enforcement from cooperating with ICE to deport dangerous illegal immigrants. He also supported taxpayer-funded welfare benefits for illegal immigrants, though his campaign later claimed he opposes benefits for illegal immigrants.

Perhaps most tellingly, Turek missed a vote to verify the citizenship status of Iowa voters. That absence did not go unnoticed by Hinson's campaign.

What does Hinson's campaign say about Turek's missed vote?

Billy Fuerst, Hinson's campaign communications director, seized on Turek's absence in July.

Josh Turek would side with Chuck Schumer and Far-Left Democrats against commonsense voter ID and election security. Turek skipping a vote to verify the citizenship status of Iowa voters tells you everything you need to know. He doesn't care about election integrity.

The missed vote fits a broader pattern of absenteeism. Turek skipped 261 Iowa House votes between January 12 and May 3, nearly 60 percent of the chamber's votes during that period. Those missed votes included measures on rural health, medical licensing, and education standards.

Despite his absence, the Iowa House chief clerk confirmed Turek collected $20,100 in legislative per diem payments during that time.

How does Turek's record on education and DEI compare?

Turek also voted against three measures restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in Iowa public schools and universities between April 2024 and May 2025. Those votes included legislation that would have:

• Prohibited public universities from employing DEI officers
• Barred colleges from requiring DEI or critical race theory coursework for graduation
• Prevented state funding for DEI offices in higher education and K-12 schools

Turek's campaign has said he will work with anyone to get things done for Iowans and pointed to his work with Republicans on tax cuts and public safety. But his voting record tells a more complicated story.

What about Turek's position on taxes?

Turek previously called for repealing the Working Families Tax Cuts, which included provisions on taxes for tips, overtime, and Social Security. During a Democrat primary debate, he said, We've got to overturn the big beautiful bill.

He has voiced support for a federal Farm Bill but did not vote on similar state legislation while serving in the Iowa House.

What does this mean for Iowa voters?

The contrast between Turek's moderate rhetoric and his legislative record is stark. On immigration, election integrity, education policy, and taxes, Turek has consistently sided with the progressive wing of his party.

Iowa voters will have a clear choice in November between Turek's record and Hinson's conservative approach on border security, election integrity, and fiscal responsibility.