Scholten drops out of Iowa Senate race, endorses fellow state rep

Desmond Milligan · August 18

Iowa State Rep. J.D. Scholten (D) announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for U.S. Senate and endorsing fellow State Rep. Josh Turek (D) in his bid to unseat incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst (R).

“Today I am suspending my campaign. I know this may come as a surprise but I made this decision because I think it’s in the best interest of Iowans and myself,” Scholten said in a statement.

“From the very beginning, I thought a prairie populist athlete from Western Iowa would be the best candidate to win in the General election,” he continued. “I still do, but instead of me, I have complete confidence that Josh Turek can take this on. That’s why I am suspending my campaign and endorsing him.”

Turek, a two-time Paralympics gold medalist for Team USA, announced last week he’s entering the crowded Democratic primary to unseat Ernst in the 2026 midterm race.

Scholten, who launched his Senate bid in early June, said his decision to end his campaign was “founded on friendship,” pointing to their shared values and extensive history working together in the state Legislature.

“Ultimately, I decided he could carry the issues I deeply care about — universal health care, breaking up monopolies that are hurting farmers and consumers, getting special interests out of politics. As his friend, I’m proud to support him,” he added.

Scholten made clear that he decided independently to drop out of the race and did not feel pressure to do so.

“I want to stress this is a decision of my own accord. I’m ending my campaign because I believe it’s the right thing. I want Joni Ernst to be held accountable for her failed leadership. I want Democrats to win and I know we will if we elect Josh Turek,” he said.

Ernst, who is seeking a third term next year, won reelection against a Democratic challenger by roughly 7 points in 2020. Republicans have long held on to Iowa’s Senate seats, and President Trump won the state by 13 points in November.

Scholten will join Turek for a campaign event Monday evening to formally announce the endorsement, Turek’s campaign said.

“I am honored to have the support of J.D.,” Turek said in a statement. “Over the last several years, J.D. and I have fought alongside one another in the state legislature to lower costs for Iowa’s families, to make health care more affordable and accessible, to make housing more affordable, and to make life a little bit easier and a little bit better for Iowa’s families.”

“We have an incredible opportunity to beat Joni Ernst in 2026, and I’m proud to join forces with J.D.,” he continued.

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