Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, has taken over $20,000 in per diem payments while missing more than half of his 2026 votes, records reveal.

Turek’s Absence Record

From Jan. 12, 2026, through May 3, he missed 261 of the chamber’s votes, accounting for nearly 60% of his votes. The absences, some of which were clustered around campaign events and spanned several high-profile bills, suggest Turek has struggled to balance his role as a legislator and candidate as he wages an uphill battle to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.

Turek has framed himself as a classic example of the American underdog story, having overcome being born paralyzed from the waist down to play basketball for the U.S. in the Paralympic Games, winning championships in 2016 and 2020. As a candidate for Senate, Turek has pledged to defend the government programs that made his journey possible.

Response to Criticism

In response to an inquiry from Fox News Digital, Turek’s campaign pointed out that the pattern isn’t unique to him and that other candidates — including Turek’s Republican challenger, Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa — also miss votes to fundraise.

Hinson’s campaign responded by noting that she has a 98.8% lifetime voting record since her election to the House of Representatives in 2020 while also lambasting Turek’s record. Turek will face off against Hinson in the state’s Nov. 3 general election.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.