IOWA — Former President Barack Obama endorsed Iowa state representative Josh Turek's bid for the U.S. Senate in a video released on July 29, 2026, featuring the two playing basketball. The endorsement shows the stakes in the contest for the seat currently held by Republican Joni Ernst, who is retiring after two terms.

The video depicts the former president and the state representative engaging in a game of I-O-W-A rather than the traditional H-O-R-S-E. Obama acknowledged his performance on the court with humor, stating in the footage that he got "whooped" by Josh Turek in basketball.

Turek brings athletic experience to the political stage, having played wheelchair basketball for the United States in four Paralympic Games. He serves as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 20th district and is the Democratic nominee in the 2026 United States Senate election in Iowa.

Obama used the platform to reflect on his history with the state, noting that he won the Iowa caucuses in 2008. He carried Iowa in the 2008 and 2012 general elections, a record he referenced during the promotional clip.

"I know a little something about winning Iowa," Obama said in the video. He expressed a deep personal connection to his time campaigning in the state, adding, "Of all the things I’ve done in politics, Iowa was my favorite thing."

The former president described the atmosphere of those early campaign efforts, stating, "There was just a magic about regular folks showing up." He concluded his message with a direct appeal to voters, saying, "Now the ball’s in your court, Iowa."

Obama issued a clear directive regarding the election outcome, stating, "Let’s make sure that we send Josh Turek to the United States Senate." The endorsement enters a race where it has been more than a decade since a Democrat represented Iowa in the U.S. Senate.

Turek faces Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, who has secured the support of President Donald Trump. Trump won Iowa by double digits in the last presidential election, presenting a challenge for Democratic candidates in the state.

The focus on basketball aligns with Obama's long-standing interest in the sport. He had the White House tennis court modified to allow for basketball play during his tenure in the executive branch. A professional grade basketball court was installed at the Obama Presidential Center following his presidency.

The events connecting Obama's initial political success in Iowa to this endorsement span 18 years, from 2008 to 2026. The timeline reflects the former president's continued engagement with the state's electoral politics.

The endorsement places national attention on a Senate seat that has been held by Republicans for more than ten years. Joni Ernst's retirement creates an open contest, with Turek seeking to break the consecutive term streak for his party in the chamber. The race features high-profile backing on both sides, with President Donald Trump supporting Hinson.

Voter turnout remains a central question in a state where Trump achieved a double-digit victory in the last presidential cycle. Obama's reference to his 2008 and 2012 electoral wins in Iowa serves as a historical benchmark for Democratic performance. The outcome will determine whether the state returns a Democrat to the Senate for the first time in over a decade.