Democratic Iowa Senate candidate says he split his ticket

Democratic Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek says he split his own ballot, a personal example of the cross-party voting that could matter in the state’s closely contested election. Turek, an Iowa state representative, is facing Republican US Representative Ashley Hinson for the seat being vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. His comment draws attention to voters who judge candidates individually rather than choosing one party in every race. The available reporting does not establish which other candidate received his vote.

The contest comes as Democrats try to win statewide in Iowa after a series of Republican victories. Turek has presented his record of working with Republicans as part of his appeal, while Hinson has campaigned with President Donald Trump’s backing. Polling has suggested a competitive Senate race, but a candidate’s account of his own ballot offers no evidence of how widely other Iowans will split theirs. The result will depend on voters’ choices across the state.