AMES, Iowa – Iowa Democrats are gearing up for a crucial U.S. Senate primary on Tuesday, aimed at selecting a candidate who can potentially flip a Republican-held seat in November. With high stakes involved, many voters are still grappling with their choice between the two state lawmakers vying for the nomination.
Mike Lazere, a dedicated 65-year-old Democrat, expressed his dilemma, stating, “I am having a lot of trouble,” as he prepares to cast his ballot on Election Day.
State Rep. Josh Turek and State Sen. Zach Wahls are both contenders for the seat currently held by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst. While Republicans maintain a significant advantage in Iowa, Democrats believe there is a viable opportunity to secure a win.
The implications of the primary are significant for Iowa’s Democrats, who have struggled to find success in statewide elections in recent years. The last time a Democrat won federal office in Iowa was President Barack Obama in 2012. The Republican Party currently holds all six federal offices from the state, and the GOP has enjoyed a statehouse trifecta for nearly a decade. The last Democratic senator from Iowa, Tom Harkin, was elected in 2008 and retired in 2014.
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson is also in the race for the GOP nomination, backed by a Republican-aligned political group that has already committed $29 million to secure the seat.
Turek and Wahls assert that their differences are clear, yet many voters remain undecided. Lazere noted, “They both have strong legislative records. They both have compelling stories. I think they both share my values,” indicating the challenge for voters in selecting a candidate with the best chance of success.
Turek, a four-time wheelchair basketball Paralympian born with spina bifida, believes his narrative of triumph over adversity resonates well with both independent and moderate Republican voters. His campaign focuses on issues such as securing a livable wage, ensuring access to healthcare, and providing clean drinking water, steering clear of divisive culture-war topics.
“I’m not gonna get dragged down the rabbit hole of worrying about these distraction issues,” Turek stated confidently. “If we are going to win again in a state like Iowa, it is going to be a message of economic populism… We stand for the workers and for the middle class.”
Supporter Sundie Ruppert emphasized the need for a candidate who can attract independents, stating, “We’ve got to get the independents. I do believe that Josh in a red district has better pull than Wahls.”
Conversely, Wahls positions himself as a candidate willing to challenge the establishment in both parties. He has criticized Turek for not outright rejecting Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer, advocating for what he describes as an anti-establishment message that appeals to disenchanted voters.
“We’re not just talking about building a coalition that can win in November, we are already doing it,” Wahls asserted, highlighting his efforts to engage voters who feel let down by both major parties.
Despite the enthusiasm among some voters, Iowa remains a challenging landscape for Democrats. Since Obama’s presidency, the state has shifted politically, voting for Trump in the last three presidential elections. Currently, Democrats trail Republicans by approximately 200,000 registered voters statewide.
In the 2022 elections, only one Democrat, state auditor Rob Sand, secured a statewide victory. As of now, nearly 30,000 Democrats have already voted, according to the secretary of state’s office, but some voters remain uncertain about their choices.
For many, like Lynne Wallace and her fellow Democrats, the focus remains on defeating Hinson in the general election. “They’re both so qualified,” said Lois Rose of West Des Moines, reflecting the sentiment that either candidate could potentially lead the party forward.
