Jewish Voter Guide
Josh Turek
U.S. Senate · IA · Democrat
Summary
Josh Turek is the Democratic nominee in Iowa's 2026 U.S. Senate election and will face Republican nominee Ashley Hinson.
Josh Turek has expressed support for Israel's sovereignty and its right to act against terrorist threats, while arguing that U.S. support should be conditioned on compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian lives. In 2025, he voted for an Iowa House resolution supporting Israel, condemning antisemitism, and expressing solidarity with the victims of Hamas's October 7 attack. Before supporting the final resolution, he backed an unsuccessful amendment that would have added conditions relating to civilian protection and international law.
Turek has described Hamas as a terrorist organization and the October 7 attack as horrific, but has criticized what he characterizes as unlimited U.S. support for Israel's military operations in Gaza. He has stated that Jewish rights are civil rights, condemned bigotry targeting Jews because of their support for Israel.
The record
Positions come from public votes, statements and on-the-record interviews. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Support for a Strong U.S.-Israel Alliance
In 2025, Turek voted for Iowa House Resolution 3, which expressed support for Israel's sovereignty, condemned antisemitism, affirmed solidarity with the victims of Hamas's October 7 attack, and supported Israel's right to eliminate terrorist threats. Before supporting the final resolution, Turek backed an unsuccessful amendment that would have conditioned U.S. support on Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian lives.
Preventing a Nuclear Iran
During the 2026 conflict with Iran, Turek opposed an open-ended U.S. war and argued that Congress should authorize any continued military action. His remarks addressed regime change and war powers rather than Iran's nuclear program.
Condemning and Combating Terrorism
In 2025, Turek supported an amendment affirming Israel's sovereignty and its right to act against terrorist threats, while conditioning that support on adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of innocent civilian lives.
The amendment, which was seen as an effort to target Israel and its conduct of the war, also condemned war crimes, crimes against humanity, and indiscriminate attacks against civilians by any party. It failed, but Turek later voted for the final resolution supporting Israel and its efforts to neutralize terrorist groups.
Response to Hamas's October 7 Attack
In a 2026 interview with Iowa Starting Line, Turek described the October 7 attack as horrific and identified Hamas as a terrorist organization.
He also argued that the attack did not justify unlimited U.S. support for Israel's subsequent military operations in Gaza, particularly where American taxpayer-funded weapons were contributing to civilian deaths.
Fighting Antisemitism
Turek stated that Jewish rights are civil rights and argued that targeting Jews because of their support for Israel constitutes bigotry rather than legitimate political criticism.
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.