Turek's Transgender Care Ad Draws Bipartisan Criticism

Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek is facing criticism after an ad opposing transgender women’s participation in women’s sports and taxpayer funding for gender-affirming care. LGBTQ+ advocates, including transgender state representative Aime Wichtendahl, criticized the message as alienating and urged Democrats to focus on economic concerns; some advocates warn the funding proposal could affect care for adults as well as minors. Republican opponent Ashley Hinson’s campaign also attacked Turek, saying his ad misrepresents his record and accusing him of concealing past votes. Turek says he opposes the policies described in the ad and frames his positions as a call to move beyond political extremes and lower costs for Iowans.