A video of former President Barack Obama playing an adapted version of horse with Iowa state Representative Josh Turek has emerged as the vehicle for a high-profile Senate endorsement that pits Obama directly against President Donald Trump in a battleground contest. Turek, who has competed in wheelchair basketball at four Paralympic Games and won two gold medals, is mounting a Democratic challenge for a U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republicans, and he now has Obama’s backing in the general election against Republican U.S. House representative Ashley Hinson, whom Trump has endorsed.
Republican Senator Joni Ernst’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026 created the opening for this race. Shortly after Ernst’s announcement, Hinson, who represents Iowa in the U.S. House, launched her Senate campaign and quickly secured Trump’s endorsement. Turek won the Democratic nomination and addressed supporters at his primary victory event held in Des Moines, Iowa, on the evening of June 2, 2026, setting up a November showdown with Hinson.
Video Features Basketball Showdown and Direct Appeal
Obama used the basketball-themed endorsement video to make a direct pitch to Iowa voters, reminding them of his own success in the state during his presidential runs. “Now the ball’s in your court, Iowa. Let’s make sure that we send Josh Turek to the United States Senate,” Obama said in the clip. The former president referenced his victories in Iowa during both the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, noting that he knows “a little somethin’ about winning Iowa.” Obama highlighted Turek’s Paralympic achievements as evidence of his competitive drive and determination while the two traded shots and banter on the court.
National Figures Invest in Iowa Battleground
The involvement of both Obama and Trump in the Iowa contest underscores how seriously each party views the race. Obama’s participation signals Democrats believe they have a genuine shot at flipping the seat, despite Iowa’s recent trend toward Republican candidates. The state moved sharply in the GOP’s direction in the years after Obama’s 2012 victory there, making any Democratic statewide campaign an uphill battle.
Hinson campaigned in Dubuque, Iowa, on June 1—one day before Turek’s primary night rally—and has centered her bid around alignment with Trump’s policy priorities. Her early entrance gave her a fundraising and organizational advantage, and Trump’s support has boosted her standing among Republican voters and the conservative base.
Critics Challenge Obama’s Endorsement Record
The endorsement drew criticism from conservative voices, including OutKick founder Clay Travis, who questioned Obama’s effectiveness in recent election cycles. Travis and host Sean Hannity discussed Obama’s transition to what he described as moving from a “player to coach” role in Democratic politics, citing his endorsements of Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris as examples of a diminished political impact.
Despite such criticism, Obama remains a towering figure within the Democratic Party. His continued influence was on display at the grand opening celebration on June 18 for the Barack Obama Presidential Center, held at John Lewis Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, where the event underscored his ongoing role in shaping party strategy and national political discourse.
Stakes Rise as Proxy Battle Takes Shape
The race has become a proxy fight between two of the nation’s most influential political leaders, with Trump and Obama now backing opposing candidates. A victory for Turek would mark a significant Democratic breakthrough in a state where the party has struggled in recent years. For Republicans, keeping the seat would confirm their dominance in Iowa and bolster Trump’s endorsement record as the 2026 election cycle intensifies. The competitive nature of the contest is expected to attract substantial national attention and financial support from both parties as November approaches.