Democrats Josh Turek and James Talarico Win US Senate Races Amid Trans Rights Debate

Democrats Josh Turek in Iowa and James Talarico in Texas won US Senate elections on November 3, 2026, according to Decision Desk HQ projections. They defeated Republicans Ashley Hinson and Ken Paxton respectively.

In an October ad, Turek opposed public funding for gender transition and transgender women’s participation in women’s sports, Iowa Capital Dispatch reported. He cited the need for rules in competition while also rejecting discrimination and calling for a focus on lowering the cost of living.

Talarico said on September 9 that he opposed transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports if it jeopardised safety or fairness, The Texas Tribune reported. He had previously voted against restrictions on transgender student-athletes in the Texas Legislature.

In a November 4 LGBTQ Nation column, Faefyx Collington links these victories to dissatisfaction with Donald Trump’s and Republicans’ policies. Collington argues that restrictive positions on trans issues did not cause the wins and proposes preparing primary challengers if the elected Democrats do not change course.

Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson called the results a victory for equality. Conservative commentator Tyler O’Neil challenges that interpretation in The Daily Signal: in his view, Democratic wins do not amount to approval of HRC’s positions on trans issues. He points to Talarico’s statements and support for ballot measures restricting transgender athletes.

Uránia previously reported on the dispute over Turek’s ad and disagreements over Talarico’s statements on transgender participation in sport.