Josh Turek’s Moderate Image Challenged by Immigration Record
Josh Turek, the Iowa Democrat U.S. Senate nominee endorsed by Obama, presents himself as a “common-sense” moderate. However, there’s a bit of a twist in his narrative, as his official legislative newsletter gave advice to undocumented immigrants on how to steer clear of ICE detainment while advocating for a more accessible pathway to citizenship.
Turek, who has held a position as an Iowa state representative since 2023, is up against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). He labels himself as a “prairie populist” and aims to connect with “Iowans of all political stripes.” Still, his stance on immigration adds a layer of complexity to this moderate characterization.
His legislative newsletter included tips for undocumented immigrants on avoiding detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One section, titled “Know Your Rights as an Immigrant,” referred readers to resources provided by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), suggesting that the organization offers useful insights about rights in various situations.
In April, Turek publicly called for an “easier pathway to citizenship” for illegal immigrants, a phrase he reiterated in a recent interview with the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Within the Iowa legislature, he supported taxpayer-funded welfare programs for illegal immigrants, contradicting his later assertion that he opposes such benefits. Additionally, Turek voted to limit cooperation between Iowa law enforcement and ICE, particularly concerning the deportation of dangerous undocumented immigrants. He also missed a crucial vote on verifying voters’ citizenship status.
Hinson’s campaign highlighted Turek’s absence regarding the citizenship verification vote, stating that it reflected a lack of concern for election integrity. The comments from Hinson’s Campaign Communications Director pointed fingers at Turek for aligning with more progressive Democrats like Chuck Schumer.
Interestingly, Turek missed 261 votes in the Iowa House between January and May, which amounted to nearly 60 percent of all votes during that timeframe. Despite this, he received more than $20,000 in legislative per diem payments. He also opposed several proposed restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in Iowa schools and universities over a year’s time. Turek’s campaign maintains that he is ready to collaborate with others for the welfare of Iowans, noting his previous work with Republicans to lower taxes and ensure public safety.
He has expressed the need to repeal the Working Families Tax Cuts, which included impacts on tips, overtime, and Social Security, stating during a Democratic primary debate, “We’ve got to overturn the big beautiful bill.” Although Turek has signaled support for a federal Farm Bill, he did not participate in voting on related state legislation while in the Iowa House.
