Joshua Mark Turek (born April 12, 1979) is a Democratic state representative and two-time Paralympic gold medalist. Born with spina bifida, he was exposed to poverty and relied on public assistance programs growing up. Turek served as a wheelchair basketball player for Team USA at four Summer Paralympics (winning bronze in 2012 and gold in 2016 and 2020). He was first elected to the Iowa House of Representatives from the 20th district in 2022 by just six votes after a recount, and was re-elected in 2024 by a wider margin. As the Iowa legislature's first permanently disabled member, Turek represents one of the reddest districts in Iowa where Trump won by 10+ points in 2024, yet he outperformed other Democrats by approximately 14 percentage points in his district.
Turek was born April 12, 1979, with spina bifida linked to his father's Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. He underwent 21 surgeries by age 12. His family relied on public assistance including free summer lunch programs and Area Education Agencies. He competed in wheelchair basketball for Team USA at four Summer Paralympics (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024), winning bronze in 2012 and gold medals in 2016 and 2020. He attended the University of Iowa but withdrew to pursue wheelchair basketball professionally overseas before returning to Iowa. He was first elected to the Iowa House District 20 in 2022 by six votes after a recount, representing a district Trump won by 20 points. He was re-elected in 2024 with a larger margin. He is married to Chloe Angyal, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic.
Strongly opposes Medicaid cuts and supports healthcare expansion
Turek cited Ernst's controversial 'we all are going to die' comment on Medicaid cuts as evidence that Washington leaders are failing Iowans. He opposes school vouchers and cuts to Medicaid.
Voting History: Turek has a 100% union voting record and AFL-CIO support in the Iowa Legislature
Pro-labor, supports raising minimum wage and worker protections
Turek calls for raising minimum wage, protecting workers' rights, and eliminating policies that allow employers to pay employees with disabilities less. Wants to match or surpass Sen. Harkin's pro-labor Senate record.
Voting History: 100% pro-union voting record as state legislator; supported by multiple labor unions
Supports clean water enforcement and conservation farming practices
Turek emphasizes enforcing the Clean Water Act against industrial polluters and supporting conservation-focused farm policies.
Comprehensive immigration reform with border security and path to citizenship
Turek calls for comprehensive immigration reform including both secure borders and an easier path to citizenship. He shared his personal experience navigating the system with his wife, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic.
Strong advocate for disability access and protections
As the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa Legislature, Turek has extensive experience with disability advocacy and policy.
Voting History: Supported by former Sen. Bob Casey Jr. for his work on disability rights
Turek's voting record in the Iowa House reflects progressive Democratic positions on healthcare, labor, education funding, and social safety nets. He has achieved a 100% union voting record.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Expansion | Healthcare expansion for low-income Iowans | Yea | 2023-01-01 | Turek supported Medicaid expansion and opposes cuts to the program |
| Minimum Wage | Raise minimum wage in Iowa | Yea | 2023-01-01 | Turek supports increasing the minimum wage |
| Education Funding | Fund K-12 education | Yea | 2023-01-01 | Turek supports fully funding K-12 education |
Turek's campaign tone emphasizes hope, authenticity, and personal narrative. He frames himself as different from typical politicians while positioning his moderate electability against more progressive opponents.
Turek launched campaign with video titled 'Underdog' describing his path to becoming a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and state legislator from a conservative district
Campaign launch emphasized his underdog story and ability to win in Trump territory
View post →At filing event, Turek said his campaign is 'about hope and positivity and inspiration' and wants to look and feel different from typical Senate campaigns
Positioning campaign around positive vision rather than opposition research
View post →Turek has not been openly running or polling well against Hinson in early matchups
Hinson commented that 'Zach Wahls seems to be running away with it' in the Democratic primary, suggesting Turek faces an uphill primary battle
Democratic candidates like Turek support cutting spending on programs Iowans depend on
While not specifically targeting Turek, Ernst's campaign has criticized Democratic proposals as harmful to Iowa families