Former US President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic Iowa state Representative Josh Turek for the US Senate.
The endorsement was delivered through a basketball video featuring a game of IOWA, a variation of HORSE. The clip is approximately two minutes long and was shared on YouTube by Turek's campaign.
Josh Turek is the Democratic nominee for the US Senate in Iowa. His opponent is Trump-backed Republican US Representative Ashley Hinson.
Turek was born with spina bifida. Democrats see the Iowa Senate seat as one of their best pickup opportunities in the midterms.
Campaign Trail Context
Former US President Barack Obama spoke at the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2026, in Chicago, Ill. Iowa Democratic US Senate candidate Josh Turek spoke at a primary night rally at The Loft on June 2, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Republican US Senate candidate Ashley Hinson spoke at a campaign event on June 1, 2026, in Dubuque, Iowa.
Media Reaction
In the video, former US President Barack Obama declared he is transitioning from a 'player to coach' in the Democratic Party. OutKick founder Clay Travis sharply criticized this declaration.
Sean Hannity and Clay Travis discussed Obama's unsuccessful endorsements for Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris.