Josh Turek

A Champion's Dual Path

Born Joshua Mark Turek in 1979, Josh Turek's story is one of exceptional achievement across seemingly disparate fields: elite athletics and demanding politics. Hailing from Iowa, his public life has already left an indelible mark, and he continues to push boundaries in his career.

Early Life and Resilience

From childhood, Josh navigated life as a wheelchair user, born with spina bifida—a condition where the spinal cord doesn't fully develop. This early challenge, however, would become a foundation for incredible strength and determination.

His family life was steeped in athletic passion. Josh grew up alongside his siblings, John and Elisha, both of whom would go on to become professional basketball players, embedding a love for the sport deep within the Turek household.

Paralympic Glory

Embracing his passion, Josh found his stride in wheelchair basketball, rising to the pinnacle of the sport. He proudly represented the U.S. men's national wheelchair basketball team on the global stage, competing in the Summer Paralympics not once, but four times.

His dedication paid off in spectacular fashion. After securing a bronze medal at the 2012 London Paralympics, Turek and his team soared to even greater heights, clinching back-to-back gold medals at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games. A truly remarkable athletic career.

A New Arena: Politics

Transitioning from the basketball court to the political arena, Josh Turek announced his candidacy for Iowa's 20th House of Representatives district in March 2022. This marked a significant shift, demonstrating his commitment to serving his community in a different capacity.

The election proved to be incredibly tight. After a recount requested by his Republican opponent, Sarah Abdouch, Turek's victory was confirmed by a mere six votes—a testament to every single ballot's power and the dedication of his campaign.

Taking office on January 9, 2023, Josh Turek made history: he became the Iowa legislature's very first permanently disabled member. This groundbreaking achievement underscores his lifelong advocacy for disabled people, giving an essential voice to a vital community.

But Turek's ambition didn't stop there. In August 2025, he announced his intention to run for the 2026 United States Senate election in Iowa, aiming to bring his unique perspective and experience to an even broader national stage.

Political Stances

Describing himself as a 'common-sense' moderate Democrat and a 'prairie populist,' Turek's political philosophy emphasizes practical solutions and representing the interests of everyday Iowans. He seeks to build consensus and address core issues affecting his constituents.

On policy specifics, Turek has clearly articulated his positions. He stands firmly against school vouchers, arguing for robust public education, and opposes cuts to Medicaid, a critical program providing healthcare to millions.

Views on the Israel–Palestine Conflict

When asked about the Gaza war and its humanitarian crisis in August 2025, Turek offered a nuanced perspective. He affirmed Israel as a U.S. ally but stressed that American aid should have limits, particularly when civilian lives are at stake.

He stated unequivocally, 'The response at this point has been disproportionate, and I don't think that taxpayer dollars or United States support should be going toward the hurting or killing of children or civilians or certainly not impeding aid going into these areas.' This position highlights his commitment to human rights and careful consideration of foreign policy's impact.