Iowa Senate primary becomes early test of anti-Schumer Democratic message

Published June 2, 2026 7:00am ET | Updated June 2, 2026 12:01pm ET



Tuesday’s Democratic Senate primary in Iowa is shaping up as an early test of whether running against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) resonates with the party’s base in a state President Donald Trump has carried three times.

While national Democrats have quietly signaled a preference for state Rep. Josh Turek, state Sen. Zach Wahls has built much of his campaign around arguing Democratic leadership is out of touch with voters.

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