the full Democratic primary debate between Zach Wahls and Josh Turek

[0:00] This is a KCCI Commitment 2026 special presentation, U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Debate. [0:08] Good evening from the KCCI studios here in Des Moines. [0:11] Tonight we bring you a debate that can shape the future of who represents Iowa in the U.S. Senate. [0:17] You'll hear directly from the two Democrats who are competing for their party's nomination. [0:22] I'm Amanda Roker, the chief political reporter here at KCCI. [0:25] And I'm Dave Price, the Iowa political director for Gray Media. [0:28] This debate is in partnership with the Gray Stations, including KCRG, KTIV, and KWQC. [0:35] Let's begin with what is at stake in this U.S. Senate race. [0:39] If you'll remember back last September, Republican Senator Joni Ernst announced that she would not seek re-election. [0:46] She was the first woman to ever hold that position, and she has held this seat since 2015. [0:51] That means with no incumbent on the ballot, this race is now wide open. [0:54] It is drawing a lot of national attention. [0:58] It has been more than a decade since Iowa has sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate. [1:02] In 2015, Democratic Senator Tom Harkin retired after 30 years. [1:07] So tonight you will hear from the two Democrats hoping to win their party's nomination and flip that seat back to the Democrats. [1:15] Josh Turek is from Council Bluffs. [1:17] That's right. He represented Team USA in wheelchair basketball at four Paralympic Games, winning two gold medals. [1:23] He was first elected to the Iowa House in 2022 and is now serving his second term. [1:28] And Zach Walz lives in Coralville, most recently served as vice president of community investment at Green State Credit Union. [1:34] First elected to the Iowa Senate back in 2018 and then re-elected in 2022. [1:41] Now there are two Republicans also competing for this U.S. Senate seat. [1:44] Former State Senator Jim Carlin of Sioux City is facing U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson of Marion in the Senate Republican primary race. [1:52] Now tonight's debate will be one hour. Each candidate will be given 60 seconds to make an opening statement. [2:00] And before the start of this debate, the candidates drew numbers to decide who got to go first on those opening statements. [2:07] And candidates will alternate. They'll each get 60 seconds to answer each question. [2:12] They'll see a red light when they have 10 seconds left. They'll see a flashing red light when their time is up. [2:17] We, the moderators, may interrupt a candidate to redirect if someone drifts off topic. [2:21] If a candidate is mentioned by their opponent, moderators may, at their discretion, allow 30 seconds for a response. [2:28] Candidates will also get 60 seconds for closing statements. [2:31] But of course, nobody will drift off topic here, so we're not even worried about that. [2:35] We want to begin with opening statements. [2:38] Zach Walz, you won that drawing, so Mr. Walz, lead us off. [2:42] Well, thank you very much and good evening to everyone watching at home. [2:46] We're all here for the same reason and we need to be smart about it. [2:49] We are here because we need to defeat Ashley Hinson and stop Donald Trump's assault on our democracy. [2:55] We need to win back the trust of the rural and blue-collar voters who were written off and lost by Chuck Schumer. [3:02] I have won the respect of those voters as an advocate for marriage equality here in our state. [3:08] And I'm the only candidate in this race who has won and represented small-town and rural Iowa. [3:14] In this campaign, I'm proud to have won the support of 27 labor unions representing 30,000 hard-working, blue-collar Iowans. [3:22] That's why polls show I am the strongest candidate to win. [3:26] And in order to defeat Ashley Hinson, we need to win back the trust of these voters. [3:30] And we are not going to be able to win them if we cannot defy national leaders like Chuck Schumer who want to write them off. [3:36] We have a choice. [3:38] Run the same playbook that Chuck Schumer ran and lose or fight for the voters that he wrote off and win them back. [3:45] That is all the time you have. Thank you. [3:47] Josh Turek, it is now time for your opening statement. You have 60 seconds. [3:51] Well, good evening, everyone. [3:53] I'm Iowa State Representative Josh Turek. [3:55] I'm the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa Legislature. [3:58] I'm also the Democrat that represents the reddest district that was won on Election Day. [4:03] The two communities that I represent, Trump won by 18 points and by 10 points. [4:08] I was able to win my district by nearly six points. [4:12] I'm someone that was born and raised in Council Bloss, Iowa. [4:15] I have gone through an enormous amount of economic adversity, health care adversity. [4:19] I've been a four-time Paralympian, a two-time gold medalist in wheelchair basketball. [4:23] I've been a director of a nonprofit organization for disabled kids. [4:26] I got involved in the legislature because of the privatization of Medicaid [4:30] and what that was doing to individuals with disabilities. [4:33] I am running for this seat because I'm only here because of a longtime senator, [4:37] Senator Tom Harkin, and the work that he did on the American with Disabilities Act. [4:41] I'm honored to have his endorsement in this race. [4:44] And this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that we have here in Iowa [4:47] to once again have a senator that is fighting for the people, [4:50] fighting for Iowa and Iowans, not just the billionaires and the large corporations. [4:54] Well, we want to start tonight with electability. [4:57] Winning Iowa's U.S. Senate seat in November will mean reaching rural and working-class Iowans. [5:02] It will also mean energizing younger and progressive voters. [5:06] Josh Turek, why are you the candidate who can do both? [5:09] Absolutely. [5:10] On the issue of electability, there really is no comparison. [5:14] As I said, I am the Democrat that represents the reddest district that was won on Election Day. [5:19] I outperformed the top of the ticket by 50% more than any other Democrat in the state. [5:24] My opponent, Zach Walls, has never run against a Republican. [5:29] He comes from a Harris-plus-38 district. [5:32] I know what it takes to win. [5:34] I am battle-tested. [5:36] The Republicans spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on negative television ads against me. [5:39] Americans for Prosperity spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on paid canvassers, [5:43] negative mailers, and still outperformed them by 50% more than any other Democrat in the state. [5:50] I know that there is something specific about my story, my background, my resume. [5:55] But focusing on the kitchen table issues, on cost and corruption, affordability, and a genuineness [6:01] and an authenticity to my story, I'm the only one in this race that's not a millionaire, [6:05] that really has this unique ability to win over independents, which are the kingmakers in this process, [6:11] and moderate Republicans. [6:12] Zach Walls, same question to you. [6:14] What makes you the candidate who will be able to win over rural, working-class families, [6:19] also young, progressive voters? [6:21] Amanda, I am really proud of the record that I built as a winning advocate to defend families [6:27] like mine from Republican politicians who are trying to use the marriage of my two moms [6:31] as a wedge issue to divide our state. [6:34] I definitely have beaten plenty of Republicans. [6:37] In my races, I've been really proud to have the chance to represent and win elections [6:41] in small-town and rural Iowa. [6:43] I loved representing Cedar County over the four years of my first term [6:47] and continue to represent small-town and rural areas today. [6:50] These voters are frustrated with leaders in both parties. [6:54] They are looking for a candidate and a senator who will be honest about the fact that our economy [6:58] has been rigged, the fact that we have seen billionaires corrupt our politics, [7:03] and that we desperately need a new vision for the future of small-town and rural Iowa, [7:07] one that actually works for Iowa Family Farms, not just the big multinational corporations [7:12] that are getting rich. [7:13] Our message is resonating with those voters. [7:15] That is why when we turned in our nominating petitions, [7:18] 15 percent of our signers are registered independents and Republicans. [7:22] I know that we can win. [7:23] Republicans know it, too, and that's why we are going to beat Ashley Henson in November. [7:28] We want to talk about affordability. [7:29] That seems to be probably the top issue on a lot of people's minds, [7:32] both in our state and across the country. [7:35] Cost of living is going up in just about every aspect of our lives, [7:39] so we want to talk next about some specific areas. [7:42] I want to set this up with a few numbers here. [7:44] As we just saw that new report this week, overall inflation over the past year [7:48] going up faster than wages nationally, energy prices especially going up. [7:54] We've seen what's happened with gas going up $1.50 a gallon over the past year, [7:58] diesel up about $2 a gallon. [8:00] What do you think you can do as a member of the United States Senate [8:05] to lower energy costs and how? [8:08] And, Zach Walz, we'd start with you on this one. [8:10] Well, Dave, we hear this exact concern as we travel all over Iowa, [8:15] big cities, small towns, and rural areas alike. [8:17] It's inflation, it's energy, it's gas, it's housing, [8:20] it's the cost of senior care for our loved ones and child care for our kiddos. [8:26] It is something that is crushing Iowa families. [8:28] There are a lot of things we have to do. [8:29] We have to reverse the tariffs that have been plaguing our economy for the last 15 months. [8:35] We can do that with the senator who is willing to fight back. [8:37] We have to make sure that we challenge corporate power. [8:39] We see the concentration in our economy. [8:42] Only a handful of corporations dominating these industries, [8:45] making record profits while we're getting crushed with higher prices, [8:48] lower wages, and not good enough benefits. [8:51] In order to do that, we're going to have to be willing to fight some tough battles. [8:54] I fought those battles in the Iowa State Senate, [8:56] and I've always been able to work across the aisle when those opportunities are there. [9:00] But to take on anybody who's doing things that I think are wrong for my constituents, [9:03] that's the track record that I've built in the Iowa legislature, [9:06] and that's exactly the reputation that I'll build in the United States Senate as well. [9:09] How does it take on corporations to get gas down? [9:12] Look, we also have to end the war in Iran. [9:14] There's no doubt about it. [9:15] I would have voted against the War Powers Resolution that continued this war going into effect. [9:20] I believe Representative Turek and I both came out against that. [9:23] We're seeing already too high of a cost of the human loss of life in this conflict, [9:27] as well as the economic toll. [9:29] You mentioned the cost of gas and diesel. [9:31] It's also true for the price of fertilizer. [9:33] If that stays high over the next six months, [9:35] Iowa farmers are going to be in a world of hurt as we get into the fall of this year. [9:40] And that is a stark contrast with Ashley Hinson and Donald Trump. [9:44] Ashley Hinson has rubber-stamped this war of choice that Donald Trump started. [9:47] It was wrong. [9:48] It should stop as soon as it can. [9:50] And fertilizer prices up about 40 percent in many cases. [9:54] Josh Turek, I'm sorry. [9:55] Yeah, Josh Turek, how do you get energy prices down? [9:58] Yeah, certainly the issue that I have heard by far the most [10:01] as I've been traveling the state for the last nine months [10:03] is that people are hurting. [10:05] They are struggling. [10:06] Now, this doesn't matter urban areas or rural areas. [10:09] This is a state that has bottomed out. [10:11] We are 50th for economic growth. [10:13] We are 48th for personal income growth. [10:16] And this is being made dramatically worse because of the Trump tariffs, [10:19] which have decimated our farmers, led us to a farmageddon. [10:23] We've seen health care cuts with Ashley Hinson. [10:27] 110,000 Iowans lose their health care. [10:30] Another 119,000 Iowans are seeing their health care premiums double or triple. [10:34] We're seeing gas prices go up because of this unnecessary war with Iran. [10:39] And this is affecting middle-class families like mine the most. [10:43] What can we do? [10:44] We need to, as Zach said, we need to do away with the chaotic tariffs [10:49] that are decimating our farmers. [10:51] We need to end this war with Iran. [10:53] We need to raise the minimum wage. [10:55] We need to go after private equity in housing and in health care. [11:00] These are the things we can do. [11:02] And we'll get to health care coming up. [11:03] Yeah, and private equity. [11:04] I'm glad you brought that up because housing costs are also incredibly expensive. [11:08] You talk to Iowans, many are struggling to afford a home. [11:11] They're struggling to keep up with rising rents. [11:13] Both of you have proposed getting private equity out of the housing market. [11:18] Josh Turek, how much would that lower costs and how quickly would Iowans see relief? [11:23] I can tell you that one of the things that I have heard as I've been traveling this state [11:27] is I have heard over and over and over from young people telling me [11:32] that they no longer believe that the American dream exists, [11:35] that the American dream to them is just being able to keep food on the table [11:39] and maybe a roof above their head, but they'll never be able to own a home. [11:43] In the Iowa legislature, I ran a bill to put a five-year moratorium on private equity [11:48] to prevent them from buying up single-family homes. [11:51] In the United States Senate, I will do the exact same thing. [11:54] Nationally, that number is around 40% of the single-family homes that are being bought up. [11:59] There's no way that you and I can compete with Wall Street equity. [12:02] But we also need to make sure that we're building more homes, [12:05] and that means incentives and zero-interest loans to be able to make development. [12:10] Also, I think we need incentives in place to first-time homebuyers, [12:14] like I was able to have under the Obama administration, [12:17] because housing is too expensive, it's too difficult. [12:20] The only way we can have access to the American dream is through affordable housing, [12:24] and that's what I'll fight for in the U.S. Senate. [12:26] Zach Walls, if you were elected, what policy would you push [12:29] that would make housing and rent less expensive, [12:31] and how quickly would Iowans feel relief, and how much relief would they feel? [12:36] Amanda, my first year in the Iowa legislature, 2019, [12:39] something strange started happening. [12:41] We saw these large out-of-state investment companies come into Iowa, [12:44] buying mobile home communities and trailer parks, [12:46] jacking up the monthly lot rent by outrageous amounts, [12:49] 50%, 60%, 70% in some cases, from one month to the next. [12:53] This one company from Utah purchased 15 parks across the state [12:56] and three in my district, two in Johnson County and one in Cedar County. [12:59] And I heard from my constituents about how hard this was for their families, [13:02] and so I went to work for them. [13:04] I was able to build a bipartisan coalition and pass a bill out of the Iowa Senate [13:09] as a freshman legislator, 48 to 0, to crack down on these companies and protect Iowans. [13:14] But then that bill was killed in the House of Representatives [13:17] by then-State Representative Ashley Hinson. [13:20] I saw firsthand the connection between what has happened between the rigging of our economy [13:25] and how money is influencing our elections. [13:28] In the United States Senate, I will fight to protect Iowans, [13:31] whether they live in mobile homes, single-family homes, or multifamily housing. [13:35] And we need to fight to make sure that we have those protections. [13:38] I've seen why it's important in Iowa, and that's what I'll fight for in the Senate. [13:41] But if you do that, if you get private equity or that policy is taken to the Senate level, [13:45] I mean, how much money are we talking? [13:47] How much do costs actually come down? [13:49] So here's what our bill did. [13:51] When we came back the next year after Ashley Hinson killed it the first year, [13:54] we actually put in a cap that said you cannot raise the rent in these communities [13:58] more than the inflation that we see here in the Midwest. [14:02] If you want to raise it above that, you have to justify it with real investments in infrastructure [14:06] or improvements for that community. [14:08] Unfortunately, while we were trying to solve the problem, [14:11] those interests were hard at work, and they killed the bill in 2020 as well. [14:15] That's why I understand that there's a direct connection [14:17] between the corruption of our politics and this rigged economy. [14:20] Let's talk about food. [14:21] As we know, food prices keep going up. [14:23] If you look what's happened over the past year, especially with beef and coffee prices in particular, [14:29] but if you back off to 2020, overall, food prices have gone up almost by one-third over that amount of time. [14:38] What realistically can you do in the United States Senate to bring down any portion of our grocery bills [14:44] and start with you, Zach Wiles? [14:46] Again, this is a place where the concentration that we are seeing is absolutely unacceptable. [14:50] You have four companies that control 85 percent of the meatpacking when it comes to beef. [14:55] And earlier this year, I believe Representative Turek also introduced similar legislation about vertical integration. [15:01] We can't allow these monopolies to not just have control within one industry. [15:05] You can't allow them to have control across industries either. [15:08] These are very tough fights, and they are not easy battles. [15:12] But in the legislature, I've built a reputation as someone who's willing to fight for people who need relief. [15:16] But taking on these corporations, it's going to mean stronger enforcement of antitrust law. [15:22] If that's not sufficient, it means passing new laws. [15:25] And we see this happening in beef. [15:27] We see it happening, you mentioned, in coffee. [15:29] That's part of the tariffs that are going on. [15:31] And that is something that I think that there should be strong support for if you're willing to take on this president. [15:36] The problem is that there aren't enough Republicans who are willing to take on this president, [15:39] people like Ashley Hinson who have voted for the tariffs on four different occasions. [15:44] That is wrong for Iowa, but she doesn't care. [15:47] She's just towing the party line. [15:49] Josh Turek, antitrust. [15:50] Is that the way to go after this? [15:52] Actually, I agree with Zach on this issue. [15:55] You know, as I've been traveling around the state, certainly one of the issues that I've heard the most [16:00] are individuals all around the state saying that they can no longer afford their grocery prices. [16:06] I think that one of the very best ways to address this is on cracking down on monopolies and on vertical integration. [16:14] I did sponsor that bill in the Iowa legislature to prevent vertical integration. [16:19] Another thing that we need to do, also monopolies on these large grocery stores that are consolidating. [16:24] That would be another great thing that we could do to address this. [16:27] We also need to address price gouging. [16:30] I ran a bill that would prevent grocery stores from price gouging. [16:33] We also need to, certainly in this war in Iran, because what we're seeing with gas prices [16:39] is unnecessarily driving up the cost of goods, of transportation, [16:44] and it's preventing the average Iowan from just being able to put gas in their tank. [16:49] I would also say if we want to do something on beef prices, [16:52] we need to have mandatory country of origin labeling, [16:56] because in this country we've lost 100,000 beef producers. [16:59] We also want to talk about tax policy tonight. [17:03] Josh Turek, you have proposed taxing billionaires. [17:07] What specific rate are you proposing? [17:09] And under that proposal, who would qualify? [17:12] How much do you have to make? [17:13] Or what does your wealth look like to be taxed? [17:16] Well, without a doubt, what we are seeing right now [17:18] is we are living through a second Gilded Age in this country. [17:22] It is a country of have and have-nots. [17:25] And what we have had with individuals like Donald Trump and Ashley Henson, [17:29] where they have just continued to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans [17:34] and for billionaires, billionaires and large corporations. [17:38] You look at the big, beautiful bill, one of the most egregious examples. [17:42] You have cutting health care, millions of individuals' health care, [17:47] and millions more food assistance just to give tax breaks to billionaires. [17:50] The Trump's tax cuts, 85% go to the wealthiest 1%. [17:54] I think that we need a wealth tax in place. [17:57] I think we need a progressive taxation rate in place. [18:01] I think that we need to close some of these loopholes, [18:04] like buy, borrow, die, the carried interest loophole that we have in place. [18:10] There's many, many things that we can do. [18:12] But right now, the two of the biggest issues that we have in this country right now [18:15] is wealth-divided tax avoidance. [18:18] And we need to make sure we're going after the billionaires and large corporations, [18:21] taking care of the middle class. [18:22] Now, I know you said wealth tax closed loopholes. [18:25] Are you proposing at all a percentage? [18:27] And also, would you differentiate? [18:28] I mean, are we talking anyone over 200,000? [18:31] Are we talking 100 million, just billionaires? [18:34] You know, who would qualify? [18:36] Whatever we end up doing is going to be taking us in the right direction [18:39] because right now what we're seeing with the Trump administration [18:42] and Ashley Henson is we're just cutting taxes on the wealthiest Americans. [18:46] I mean, when you're talking about make America great, [18:48] you're talking about America post-World War II. [18:51] And that is when we had the strongest, most progressive taxation rate. [18:56] That's when we had the strength of the middle class most in place. [18:59] The wealthiest Americans during that time were paying a 91% marginalized tax rate. [19:03] You were looking at the largest corporation at that time paying 50%. [19:06] We have eroded that. [19:08] One of the reasons is because of the lack of campaign finance reform. [19:11] But we need to make sure that the wealthiest are paying their fair share. [19:15] Well, Zach, I know you have proposed a 5% tax on billionaires. [19:20] But same question to you. [19:22] Can we get a specific number of who that applies to? [19:25] And also, most wealth among billionaires is tied up in assets and stocks. [19:30] So how would you actually enforce your policy? [19:32] Yeah, absolutely. [19:33] Amanda, I was very proud to endorse Senator Bernie Sanders' call [19:36] for a 5% wealth tax on fortunes worth a billion dollars and more. [19:40] We know what these assets are valued at, [19:42] and we can absolutely tax them the same way other assets are taxed. [19:46] In fact, most Iowans already pay wealth taxes. [19:49] They're called property taxes. [19:50] Either if you own your own home, you pay your property taxes, [19:53] or if you rent, you pay somebody else's property tax. [19:56] With that wealth tax, what we can do is expand Medicare [19:59] to make sure that it includes dental, vision, and hearing. [20:02] We can make investments in our infrastructure, in our education system. [20:06] We can make sure that child care does not cost more than 7% of a person's income, [20:11] and we can make sure that we give an actual tax relief [20:15] to working-class and middle-class Iowans earning less than $150,000 a year. [20:19] We also have to protect Social Security. [20:21] I was very proud earlier this year to release my Keep the Promise Act, [20:25] which would scrap the cap on the income that is paid for wealthiest people in our society. [20:30] It would make sure that we have to reverse the cuts [20:33] that Ashley Hinson voted for for Social Security. [20:35] And with those two things, we can extend the lifetime of Social Security's trust [20:39] for many, many, many decades to come. [20:42] All right, we're going to get to Social Security in just a... [20:44] You're skipping down our list here. [20:45] You guys asked. [20:46] We've got some more topics. [20:47] We will. We'll get to Social Security in a second. [20:50] You both, I know, big picture and not fans of Big Beautiful. [20:54] But one of the provisions on there is that it eliminated taxes [20:57] to a certain degree on tips and overtime. [21:01] And while you may say that it's skewed toward higher income earners, [21:07] most people got some kind of cut on this. [21:09] If that thing is scrapped altogether somehow, [21:12] if you're a member of the Senate, what stays and what goes on that? [21:17] And we'll start with you, Zach Wells. [21:18] Dave, I'll tell you exactly what I would have done. [21:20] I would have fought for a bill that would have allowed rates [21:23] on households earning more than $250,000 a year [21:26] to rise back to where they were [21:28] when the first Trump administration started. [21:29] We're not even talking about going back to Barack Obama or Bill Clinton, [21:32] just back to where they were before Donald Trump took office in 2017. [21:36] Then, if you let those rates rise, [21:38] you could have extended the middle-class tax cuts. [21:40] You could have extended the relief for tax on tips and overtime. [21:44] And you could have hopefully done it in a way [21:45] where it was actually easier to get access to that tax relief. [21:48] That's a real issue that I'm hearing about from folks right now. [21:51] That would have, I think, gotten probably 80 votes in the Senate [21:54] and probably 400 votes in the House. [21:56] The problem is that the billionaires have corrupted our politics. [22:00] Elon Musk spent $300 million influencing the 2024 election, [22:05] and they had a favor that they had to repay. [22:07] That is a perfect example of the connection between the rigged economy [22:11] that overwhelmingly benefits the people at the very, very, very top of our society [22:15] and the corruption of big money in our politics. [22:18] That's why we have to overturn Citizens United, [22:20] pass common-sense term limits, [22:21] and make sure that we end the ability of members of Congress or the White House [22:24] to trade stocks while they're in office. [22:26] Josh Turek, is that $250K? [22:28] Does that make sense to you? [22:29] Is that a good point? [22:30] It certainly could be. [22:31] I can tell you that one of the provisions that I certainly was in favor of [22:34] is getting rid of the tax on tips and overtimes. [22:37] I think that is a great piece of legislation [22:39] that actually benefits the middle class. [22:41] But the big, beautiful bill, [22:43] we have to recognize what that did. [22:45] That was 110,000 Iowans losing their health care. [22:49] That is thousands more losing their basic food assistance [22:53] just to give tax breaks to billionaires. [22:56] And additionally, adding more than $4 trillion to the debt [23:00] just to look out for billionaires and large corporations. [23:04] This also, this piece of legislation, [23:06] ended up cutting cancer funding. [23:09] We lost $34 million to the state, [23:12] and this is in a state, the only state, [23:14] with a growing cancer rate. [23:15] So I'm fundamentally against this. [23:18] What I am for is I believe that health care is a human right, [23:21] and I want to fight for a public option to be in place, [23:24] a fully funded Medicare, fully funded Medicaid, [23:27] and making sure that insurance companies [23:28] are not the ones deciding care doctors are. [23:32] Well, now we want to get back to the topic of Social Security. [23:35] You know, it's a program millions of people rely on. [23:38] That includes more than 700,000 people here in Iowa. [23:41] But the program is projected to fall short of full funding [23:44] in less than a decade. [23:46] And that means that without changes, [23:47] some people could see cuts to their benefits. [23:50] Now, right now, workers only pay into Social Security [23:52] on the first $185,000 they earn. [23:56] You both say that you want to get rid of that cap, [23:59] but independent analysts say getting rid of that cap alone [24:02] is likely not enough to make sure that full funding [24:05] is still available for Social Security. [24:07] So, Josh Turek, we'll start with you. [24:09] Let's take getting rid of the cap off of the table. [24:12] Are there other things, tax increases, benefit changes, [24:15] that can fill the remaining gap that would be left? [24:18] I can tell you that one of the greatest examples [24:22] of a social safety net working for individuals is Social Security. [24:28] Pre-Social Security in this country, [24:30] you had somewhere between 85% and 90% of your senior citizens [24:34] that were living in poverty. [24:36] It's an amazing example of a social safety net [24:39] being able to transform lives for individuals. [24:41] And this is an earned benefit. [24:44] Our seniors deserve this. [24:45] The very best way to address this, without a doubt, [24:48] is to take the cap off. [24:50] It is fundamentally wrong that our teachers and nurses [24:54] are paying into Social Security all year long, [24:57] and someone like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos [24:59] is paying in for the first few minutes of the year. [25:02] This is one of the best places that we can start [25:04] to be able to address this. [25:06] Also, as we just spoke about, [25:08] let's make sure that we are taxing billionaires [25:11] and large corporations, [25:12] and some of that funding that we could do with a wealth tax, [25:15] we can help to keep Social Security solvent. [25:18] Are you taking benefit changes, raising retirement age, [25:21] all that off the table? [25:22] Only the cap? [25:23] I am not for raising the age of Social Security. [25:27] Zach Walls, let's, again, go beyond just scrapping the cap [25:31] because there are people who say [25:33] there still would be a funding gap [25:35] and benefits could still be cut. [25:36] Is there anything else that you would do [25:37] to tell Iowans at home [25:39] that you would protect their Social Security benefits? [25:42] Well, Amanda, as I said, [25:43] with this 5% wealth tax, [25:45] the specific plan that Senator Sanders has put forward [25:48] that I have endorsed, [25:49] we can absolutely short Medicare and Social Security. [25:52] I also think that scrapping the cap [25:55] is going to extend the lifespan of Social Security by decades, [25:58] and we are going to make sure that we have the ability [26:01] to keep the promise of Social Security [26:03] because every Iowan who works hard and plays by the rules [26:07] should be able to retire with secure and dignified retirement. [26:10] And for anyone watching at home, let me be very clear. [26:13] As your United States Senator, [26:15] I will never vote to raise the retirement age. [26:18] I will never vote to cut benefits to Social Security, [26:21] and that is my promise to you. [26:22] As a man, [26:23] and as your next United States Senator. [26:27] All right, we need to take a short break here. [26:28] When we come back, [26:29] you both have brought up health care. [26:31] We want to talk a little more at length [26:33] of various parts of health care. [26:35] Yeah, we'll talk about the challenges [26:36] that families and communities across our state [26:38] are dealing with, [26:39] and what the candidates would do to address them. [26:41] Stay with us. [28:44] Watching KCCI Commitment 2026, [28:47] U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Debate. [28:49] Welcome back to the U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Debate [28:53] from the KCCI Studios in downtown Des Moines. [28:56] We are now shifting our focus to health care. [28:58] KFF, the nonpartisan research center, [29:01] says that about 10% of Americans right now [29:03] lack health care insurance. [29:05] For those who do have coverage, [29:06] they've seen premium increases go up [29:09] by about 25% since 2019, [29:11] and it's higher for those [29:13] who've just lost their Obamacare subsidies. [29:15] You have both suggested that you could support [29:18] a public option here to help with coverage and cost. [29:22] We want to look at how specifically you would pull that off. [29:26] Zach Walz, let's start with you. [29:29] A public option, which would allow people [29:31] to buy into Medicare, would bring more competition, [29:34] it would lower costs, it would expand coverage. [29:36] In addition to the public option, [29:38] I support lowering the Medicare enrollment age to 55, [29:41] and making sure that we expand the coverage of Medicare [29:43] to include vision, dental, hearing. [29:46] Growing up, my mom, Terry, [29:48] was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis [29:49] when I was just a kid. [29:51] I watched as she battled that disease [29:53] and had to navigate a very complex medical system, [29:56] and she's a physician. [29:57] I watched as my mom, Jackie, [29:59] who's a union nurse, [30:00] was laid off during the Great Recession [30:02] and the difference that a union contract made for her [30:05] as a family, we were going through that tough time. [30:07] That's why I'm also proud to be a day one co-sponsor [30:09] of the PRO Act, which will make it easier [30:11] for Iowans to organize their workplaces. [30:13] I was very proud to have my friend [30:15] and endorser of this campaign, [30:16] Senator Elizabeth Warren, [30:17] with us here on Monday [30:18] to meet with nurses right here in Des Moines [30:20] who are trying to organize themselves. [30:22] Doing those things will make sure [30:23] that we are able to have [30:24] fairly compensated healthcare workers, [30:26] that we have the ability to lower costs [30:28] by having more competition. [30:29] We challenge the consolidation that we have seen [30:31] and expand coverage that's actually affordable. [30:34] 55-plus the way he described it, Josh Turek, [30:38] does that make sense to you? [30:39] I can tell you this, we've got a healthcare crisis [30:41] in this state, unique to Iowa. [30:44] We have closed 250 more healthcare clinics [30:48] than we've opened here in Iowa [30:49] over the last 15 years. [30:51] A state with a growing cancer rate [30:54] because of what Ashley Henson has voted for [30:56] with the big, beautiful bill [30:58] and not continuing on the ACA subsidies. [31:00] 110,000 Iowans losing their healthcare benefits, [31:05] thousands more losing their food assistance, [31:07] 119,000 Iowans seeing their healthcare premiums double [31:10] or triple, and I'm seeing far more than that [31:13] actually when I've been traveling this state. [31:15] What I believe is, I believe is healthcare [31:17] is a human right. [31:18] I've lived a lot of healthcare adversity. [31:20] 21 surgeries before I was the age of 12 [31:22] due to my disability. [31:24] I know and I understand this. [31:25] I ended up running for the legislature [31:27] because of what the privatization of Medicaid [31:29] had done to individuals with disabilities. [31:30] I believe that the right route is for us [31:33] to have a public option in place [31:34] to provide a baseline level of healthcare coverage [31:37] for every single one of our citizens, [31:39] along with a fully funded Medicare and Medicaid [31:42] and also making sure that we've got restrictions [31:44] and guidelines on insurance companies [31:46] to make sure that they're not dictating care. [31:48] Okay, so just to be clear, [31:49] I want to make sure I'm accurately saying [31:50] what you said too. [31:51] Public option would be available for all ages. [31:54] It would be Medicare at 55 plus for you? [31:56] So you'd lower the Medicare enrollment age [31:57] for traditional Medicare [31:59] that our seniors are currently paying into down to 55 [32:01] and then give people and also employers [32:03] the ability to buy into Medicare [32:04] to provide coverage for their employees [32:06] or as an individual [32:07] who might have a small business, [32:09] something like that. [32:10] Public option, I think, [32:12] is a route where the government [32:15] is going to provide a level of insurance [32:18] and it can be based on level of income [32:20] or essentially free, [32:22] depending on the individual, [32:23] but it provides a public-private hybrid, [32:26] which I believe is the best option. [32:28] If you're happy with your private insurance, [32:30] you're happy with your private doctor, [32:32] you can continue on with it, [32:34] but at least you have a baseline level [32:36] of health care coverage, [32:37] like a Medicare or like a VA hospital, [32:39] to provide that. [32:40] And this will also make sure [32:42] that we're insuring on costs not going up [32:44] because this public option [32:47] will keep these insurance companies in check [32:49] by providing legitimate competition. [32:51] But I believe that health care is a human right. [32:53] I believe that every single American [32:55] deserves access to basic health care. [32:56] You both have talked about access to health care. [32:59] Mental health challenges are rising, [33:01] especially among young people here in Iowa, [33:04] but there aren't enough providers [33:06] specifically in our state to meet the need. [33:08] Josh Turek, what would you do in Congress [33:10] to improve access to mental health care? [33:12] Absolutely. [33:13] We have a mental health crisis in this state. [33:16] We are nearly dead last for PMIC beds. [33:20] I believe we are dead last for PMIC beds. [33:21] Mental health providers, mental health supports, [33:25] mental health reimbursement for Medicaid. [33:27] Living in a community that is a border community, [33:29] Council Bluffs, [33:31] I have seen these unnecessary barriers [33:33] for individuals that need to just talk [33:35] to their therapist [33:36] to have to drive across the river to Nebraska [33:39] just to have a basic conversation [33:41] with their individuals. [33:42] We need to make sure that we are putting more supports [33:47] and more reimbursement into this [33:49] to our providers through Medicaid as well. [33:53] If we did have something in place like a public option, [33:56] we could be able to incentivize that [33:58] and provide basic levels of mental supports [34:00] because we are without a doubt in this country, [34:03] but specifically in this state, [34:05] we are dealing with a mental health crisis [34:07] and the rural communities, [34:08] I hear it over and over and over, [34:09] and we need to do most supports [34:11] and my pledge to each and every one of you [34:13] in the United States Senate, [34:15] I will fight for the mental health supports [34:16] that you deserve. [34:17] Zach Walls, [34:18] how would you improve access to mental health care [34:20] and also help lower costs? [34:23] Amanda, [34:24] when I was in rural Southwest Iowa [34:26] in Union County late last year, [34:28] I met a mom whose daughter has to be in Arkansas [34:32] to get the health care treatment [34:34] that she needs for her mental health challenges. [34:36] It's a nine-hour drive in each direction. [34:39] It's unacceptable [34:39] and she deserves better [34:41] and so does every Iowan [34:42] who is in this state [34:43] who's battling a mental health challenge. [34:45] Reversing the Medicaid cuts [34:47] that we've talked about at some length [34:48] is one of the most important things that we can do [34:50] and we can do that with 51 votes [34:52] in the United States Senate. [34:54] We also need to make sure [34:55] that we are understanding [34:57] there are unique challenges [34:58] in our rural communities in particular. [35:00] Someone who's represented [35:01] a small town in rural Iowa [35:02] in the legislature, [35:03] I heard firsthand from people [35:05] who often had to drive far too far [35:08] to get to where they needed to go. [35:10] And one of the things [35:11] that we put forward [35:12] in our very detailed health care plan [35:14] that we released a few weeks ago [35:15] is calling for a new investment [35:16] in these rural communities [35:18] to make sure that we have [35:19] long-time agreements with providers [35:21] who want to build a practice there [35:23] so that we can get them access [35:24] to facilities and supports [35:25] so that way they can start practicing [35:27] in rural Iowa [35:28] and then keep practicing in rural Iowa. [35:30] Let's talk about maternal health. [35:32] Of all the states in the country, [35:36] Iowa ranks 51st [35:38] because it's behind every other state [35:39] plus Puerto Rico [35:41] in access to OB-GYNs. [35:43] It's especially hard for women [35:45] in rural areas [35:46] where they may have to drive [35:47] hour, hour and a half [35:49] one way to get care. [35:51] What can you do [35:52] as a member of the Senate [35:53] on the federal level [35:55] to better access Iowa women [35:59] to maternity health services [36:00] that they need? [36:01] And Zach Walz will start with you. [36:04] Dave, when my wife and I [36:07] were trying to start a family, [36:08] we had to work through [36:10] two miscarriages. [36:12] And it was really, really challenging [36:14] for both of us. [36:15] And when we were going through that, [36:17] you know, we were scared. [36:18] We were grieving. [36:20] We weren't sure [36:20] if we were going to be blessed [36:21] with our beautiful baby boy, Elijah, [36:24] who just turned two years old. [36:26] And during that time, [36:28] you know, the last thing [36:29] that we wanted [36:29] was the government reaching in, [36:31] trying to determine [36:31] what choices we could make. [36:33] At the federal level, [36:35] we've already talked about [36:35] restoring those Medicaid cuts. [36:37] We also have to make sure [36:38] that we codify Roe. [36:39] That is something that is important [36:41] to Iowans all over our state. [36:43] And reproductive rights, [36:44] in addition to maternal health, [36:45] is a place of real difference [36:46] between me and Representative Turek. [36:48] During his time in the legislature, [36:50] Representative Turek [36:51] has missed votes [36:52] on the six-week abortion ban, [36:54] on the fetal personhood bill [36:55] that threatened IVF, [36:56] and also the mandatory [36:58] anti-abortion indoctrination [37:00] that Kim Reynolds [37:01] is pushing for. [37:02] I'm very proud to have a record [37:04] that I would put second to none. [37:05] And in the United States Senate, [37:06] I will fight to protect [37:07] maternal health [37:08] and reproductive rights [37:09] for every Iowa woman. [37:11] When it comes to maternal health, [37:12] what would you do, Josh Turek? [37:14] Well, I'm someone [37:14] that believes that [37:15] health care is a human right, [37:17] and within that human right [37:18] is access to women's [37:19] reproductive freedom. [37:21] And one of the reasons [37:22] that we are seeing [37:23] this OBG weigh-in crisis [37:25] is this six-week abortion ban. [37:27] I've sponsored a bill [37:28] in the Iowa legislature [37:30] to repeal the six-week abortion ban. [37:33] This is not only [37:33] taking away women's rights. [37:36] This is also leading [37:37] to unnecessary deaths, [37:39] and this has led us [37:40] to an OBGYN crisis. [37:43] Three OBGYNs [37:43] for every 10,000 women [37:45] here in Iowa. [37:47] And you can understand why. [37:48] They were afraid [37:49] of being thrown in jail. [37:50] They can't even practice. [37:51] So the very first thing [37:52] that we've got to do. [37:53] And what I give you [37:54] my pledge on [37:55] is that in the United States Senate, [37:56] I will work to codify Roe v. Wade [37:58] for every single woman, [37:59] not only Iowan woman, [38:01] but American woman, [38:02] have access to reproductive freedom [38:03] that she deserves. [38:04] But additionally, [38:06] we have to stop [38:06] the Medicaid cuts. [38:07] Two in five Iowans [38:08] in the rural communities [38:09] are on Medicaid. [38:10] We need more tuition reimbursements [38:11] to incentivize individuals [38:13] to come here. [38:14] We need more fellowships, [38:15] particularly to the rural communities. [38:17] And we need more supports [38:18] and services [38:19] to, like the University of Iowa, [38:21] to provide more slots [38:22] for OBGYNs. [38:23] The best way to address it, [38:25] we have to have [38:26] women's reproductive freedom. [38:27] You both have called [38:28] for codifying Roe v. Wade [38:30] into law. [38:32] Given just the difficulty [38:33] of the gridlock in Congress, [38:35] how long that may take [38:36] to get through Congress, [38:38] Josh Turek, [38:39] is there another [38:40] reproductive rights policy [38:41] you would push for [38:42] that you think could have, [38:43] you know, a path [38:44] through the Senate [38:45] if you were elected [38:46] within, you know, [38:46] the first year or so [38:47] of you being there? [38:49] I'll say this, [38:50] that when I first joined [38:51] the Iowa legislature, [38:52] I was told [38:53] that I wouldn't get [38:54] a subcommittee, [38:55] I wouldn't get a committee, [38:56] and that I would never [38:57] get anything signed [38:58] by the governor. [39:00] Too much tribalism. [39:01] And I said, [39:02] I refuse. [39:03] I did not drag my wheelchair [39:05] up these stairs [39:06] every single day [39:07] just to come up here [39:08] and hit the red button. [39:09] And so I have been someone [39:10] that has been willing [39:11] to work across the aisle [39:12] to build relationships [39:14] to be able to actually [39:16] get policy across the finish line. [39:17] I've been able to get [39:18] more policy across the finish line [39:20] in my four years [39:21] in the legislature [39:22] than any other Democrat [39:23] in the state. [39:25] And this is what we need [39:26] more of in D.C., [39:27] are individuals [39:28] that are not going up there [39:29] just for the position, [39:31] just to play political games, [39:34] but to go up there [39:34] and actually fight [39:35] for the people. [39:36] And so I believe, [39:37] going to D.C., [39:38] that I actually, [39:39] we can work [39:40] to codify Roe v. Wade [39:41] to ensure that every woman [39:43] has the reproductive freedom [39:45] that she deserves. [39:47] Zach Wall's big picture, [39:49] there's codifying Roe v. Wade [39:51] on the table. [39:51] Are there other [39:52] reproductive rights issues, [39:53] whether it be [39:54] male order abortion pills, [39:56] IVF, [39:57] other things that you would work [39:58] more immediately to push for [39:59] in the Senate [40:00] if you were elected? [40:01] Amanda, [40:02] we absolutely need [40:02] to codify Roe [40:03] and we need to make sure [40:04] that we are not just doing that, [40:06] but codifying the right [40:06] to contraception, [40:07] codifying the right [40:08] to technologies like IVF, [40:11] and making sure [40:11] that women's private health data [40:13] is not being weaponized [40:14] against them. [40:14] In fact, [40:14] earlier this year, [40:15] I introduced a bill [40:16] at the state level [40:17] that would have done [40:17] something very similar [40:18] and that's what I'll fight for [40:19] at the federal level. [40:21] And on this topic, [40:21] it sounds like we might just [40:22] have a disagreement of opinion. [40:24] There are some places [40:24] where we are not going [40:25] to be able to work [40:26] across the aisle [40:27] because we have [40:27] a serious disagreement [40:28] about the future [40:29] of reproductive rights [40:30] in this country. [40:31] I will be a champion [40:32] for Iowa women's [40:34] reproductive freedom [40:35] in the U.S. Senate [40:35] the same way that I have been [40:36] in the legislature. [40:38] Representative Turek [40:39] voted with Republicans [40:40] on a bill [40:41] that Kim Reynolds was pushing [40:42] to quadruple [40:43] state taxpayer funding [40:45] for crisis pregnancy centers. [40:47] These are the fake [40:47] health care clinics [40:48] that lie to Iowa women [40:50] when they are vulnerable [40:51] and seeking help. [40:52] In the U.S. Senate, [40:53] I will push to defund [40:54] these clinics [40:55] to make sure [40:55] that they are not [40:56] receiving taxpayer support [40:57] because Iowa women [40:58] deserve to have access [40:59] to real maternal health care [41:01] and reproductive rights services, [41:02] not whatever that is. [41:04] We do want to get [41:05] some more topics, [41:06] but yeah, [41:06] you have 30 seconds [41:07] to respond. [41:08] That is fundamentally incorrect. [41:09] I voted against [41:10] the governor's health care bill [41:11] which contained [41:12] those provisions. [41:13] The bill he's referring to [41:15] was in HHS [41:16] which contained [41:17] actually some incentives [41:19] for fellowships [41:21] for individuals. [41:21] And additionally, [41:22] he's calling me out [41:23] for missing a vote [41:24] for the six-week abortion ban. [41:26] He knows exactly [41:27] where I was [41:27] and honestly, [41:28] it's disgraceful. [41:29] I was sick [41:30] with a condition [41:30] for my disability [41:31] and I had put out [41:32] a statement about that. [41:34] I have always been [41:35] proudly pro-choice. [41:36] I will fight [41:37] for women's reproductive freedom [41:38] and in the United States Senate, [41:39] I will do all that I can [41:40] to codify Roe v. Wade. [41:42] Amanda, just one, [41:43] he mentioned me [41:44] in that response. [41:45] Very quick, [41:46] very briefly. [41:47] All I will say is this, [41:48] Representative Turek [41:49] voted for that bill [41:50] in committee. [41:51] He had the chance [41:51] to offer an amendment. [41:52] He did not. [41:53] And when it comes [41:54] to saying that [41:55] reproductive health care [41:56] is a human right [41:57] just like the rest [41:58] of health care, [41:58] which I agree with, [42:00] his answer does not explain [42:01] why he was the only member [42:02] of the Iowa legislature [42:03] who was a Democrat [42:04] not to introduce [42:05] or co-sponsor [42:06] a single piece [42:07] of legislation [42:08] during his first three years [42:09] in the legislature [42:10] until he decided [42:11] to run for the Iowa Senate. [42:13] Representative Turek [42:13] introduced 90 bills [42:14] during that time. [42:16] Not a single one of them [42:17] had to do with [42:18] reproductive rights [42:18] and maternal health. [42:19] All right, [42:20] we want to talk [42:20] about immigration. [42:21] You have both criticized ICE [42:23] for the use of force [42:25] and the tactics [42:26] that agents have used. [42:28] I don't think [42:28] either one of you [42:29] have called for [42:30] getting rid of ICE [42:31] altogether, right? [42:33] Dave, we're a nation [42:34] of immigrants. [42:34] We're also a nation [42:35] of laws. [42:36] But what you are seeing [42:37] from ICE right now [42:38] is absolutely unacceptable [42:39] and the agency has [42:40] to be completely overhauled. [42:42] Okay, overhauled [42:42] but you're not dumping it. [42:44] Are you the same way? [42:45] Overhaul it [42:46] but we still have to have it? [42:47] We need absolute reforms [42:49] to be in place. [42:50] I mean, what we're seeing [42:50] is fundamentally wrong [42:52] and un-American. [42:52] Okay, so obviously [42:53] the Trump administration [42:54] has been using ICE [42:55] with its deportation efforts. [42:57] Can you be as specific [42:58] as possible here [42:59] for those folks [43:00] living in the United States [43:02] without legal status, [43:04] who should be able [43:05] to stay under whatever terms [43:07] and who should have to leave? [43:09] And Zach Walz, [43:10] I think you're first [43:11] on this one. [43:12] Dave, as we have both [43:14] traveled across small town, [43:16] rural Iowa, big cities alike, [43:18] we hear from people [43:19] who are terrified [43:20] about what is happening [43:21] right now with what ICE [43:22] is doing on our streets. [43:24] In my own neighborhood, [43:25] there's a park not too far [43:26] from where I live [43:26] among the walk to that park. [43:28] There's a Hispanic family [43:30] that two years ago [43:31] would often have [43:32] the garage door open, [43:33] have family friends over, [43:34] having a couple beers, [43:35] having to cook out. [43:36] And in the last year, [43:37] unfortunately, [43:38] don't see them very often. [43:39] There is a fear [43:40] that has gripped our state, [43:42] has gripped our country. [43:43] And that is because [43:43] of an out-of-control ICE [43:45] and politicians in Washington [43:46] who aren't willing [43:46] to stand up [43:47] to this administration. [43:48] Ashley Hinson [43:49] is a perfect example of that. [43:50] She has been cheerleading [43:51] to chaos on the streets [43:53] of American cities, [43:54] and that is absolutely unacceptable. [43:55] When it comes to reform, [43:56] here's what we need to do. [43:58] We need to make sure, [43:59] of course, [43:59] that we have a secure border, [44:00] but we need to have a pathway [44:01] to legal status for people [44:03] who may be in this country [44:04] illegally but who have not [44:05] committed violent crimes. [44:07] They need to go through [44:08] a thorough vet [44:08] through our legal system, [44:10] pay back taxes [44:10] that they may owe, [44:11] learn English, [44:12] and then have the opportunity [44:13] to earn that pathway [44:15] to legal status [44:15] and then eventually citizenship. [44:17] It won't be easy. [44:18] It won't happen overnight, [44:19] but it's worth fighting for. [44:20] Path to citizenship, [44:21] would you support that as well? [44:23] Absolutely. [44:23] This is an issue [44:24] that is deeply personal to me. [44:25] What a lot of people don't know [44:27] is that I'm married [44:27] to an Afro-Latina immigrant. [44:29] We met in Spain. [44:30] She's born in the Dominican Republic. [44:32] I have gone through this process myself. [44:34] We were denied her permanent residency. [44:37] We were sent papers in the mail [44:38] that said you've got 60 days [44:39] or you're going to be deported. [44:41] It's far too complicated. [44:42] It's far too expensive. [44:44] I can say what we are seeing with ICE, [44:46] fundamentally wrong and un-American. [44:48] I would not vote for any DHS funding [44:50] without serious reforms to ICE, [44:52] including body cams, [44:53] use of force standards, [44:55] protections to sensitive areas [44:56] like churches and schools [44:57] and hospitals and courtrooms. [44:59] But additionally, [45:01] we need an easier pathway to citizenship. [45:03] I would be in favor of the Dignity Act, [45:06] which had a lot of provisions, [45:07] actually what Zach just talked about, [45:09] of an earned pathway to citizenship. [45:11] I say, if you want to come here, [45:13] you want to work hard, [45:14] make your communities better, [45:16] pay taxes, [45:17] there should be an easier pathway to citizenship. [45:19] It's the motto of our country, [45:20] e plurnus unum, [45:21] out of many come one. [45:23] But also, [45:23] we can recognize two things [45:24] are not mutually exclusive. [45:26] We need to have safe and secure borders, [45:28] but a far easier pathway to citizenship, [45:30] particularly in a state like Iowa, [45:31] with the need for the agriculture industry, [45:33] beef packing plants, [45:34] and direct care workers. [45:35] Okay, so is the line for you, [45:37] as long as they have not committed [45:38] a violent crime, [45:40] then they can, [45:41] if they meet these other conditions, [45:43] they can have this pathway? [45:44] I think if they have been here, [45:46] the Dignity Act essentially [45:48] is if someone has been here since 2020, [45:51] they can prove that they have been working, [45:53] they are paying taxes, [45:54] that they go through a background check [45:56] and they clear the background check, [45:58] they would have to go and pay [46:00] a small amount of taxes and penalties, [46:04] then there would be a pathway [46:06] to citizenship for them [46:07] or permanent residency or citizenship. [46:10] And that's what I would like to fight for. [46:12] Now, we want to move on [46:13] because we want to talk a little bit [46:14] about the topic of agriculture. [46:16] Secretaries Rollins and Hegseth [46:18] have both said that food security [46:19] is national security. [46:21] America, though, [46:22] has 42 million people [46:24] who are food insecure. [46:26] Zach Walz, I believe that we start with you. [46:28] No, I think we're starting with Josh Turk. [46:31] Zach Walz. [46:31] I think so. [46:32] We're starting with Josh Turk. [46:34] What would you do [46:35] to eliminate food insecurity in this country [46:37] and how could that also help [46:38] small family farmers? [46:40] One of the best ways [46:41] that we can overturn food insecurity, [46:43] and as I've been traveling this state, [46:45] I have heard from it over and over and over, [46:48] particularly in these rural communities, [46:50] that have been absolutely hollowed out. [46:53] It looks like a vacuum [46:53] has come through their main streets. [46:55] They've lost their pharmacies. [46:57] They've lost their grocery stores. [46:58] Oftentimes, the only option [47:00] that they have in place [47:01] is a Casey's gas station. [47:04] And one of the very best things [47:06] that we can do to address this [47:07] is we've got to overturn [47:09] the big, beautiful bill, [47:10] and we have to overturn [47:12] what we have seen [47:13] with the cuts with health care [47:14] and to SNAP benefits, [47:15] especially when you're looking [47:16] at a situation [47:17] of two in five Iowans [47:19] being on Medicaid. [47:21] You go and speak [47:22] to these rural hospital providers [47:24] and they will tell you [47:25] Medicaid is their lifeblood. [47:27] And far too often, [47:29] as we're seeing cuts to taxes [47:32] for billionaires [47:33] and large corporations, [47:35] who's taking the brunt of that? [47:38] It's individuals [47:39] that just can't afford [47:41] basic food assistance. [47:42] That is fundamentally wrong. [47:44] And that's what I'll fight for [47:45] in the United States Senate [47:46] is for the voiceless, [47:47] for the little guy, [47:48] and for the folks [47:49] that can't afford [47:50] to keep food on the table. [47:52] Zach Walls, [47:52] the same question to you. [47:53] What would you do [47:54] to eliminate food insecurity [47:55] in this country [47:56] and how could that also help [47:57] small family farmers? [47:58] Early in the Trump administration, [48:01] Elon Musk and Doge [48:02] took their chainsaw [48:03] to the federal government. [48:04] And one of the programs [48:05] that they axed [48:06] was spending tens of millions [48:07] of dollars trying [48:08] to get food [48:09] from small Iowa family farm producers [48:12] into child care centers [48:14] like the one [48:14] that my son is enrolled in, [48:16] into pre-K, [48:17] into K-12 schools, [48:18] into hospitals. [48:19] That was a common sense program [48:22] that was started [48:22] by Tom Vilsack [48:23] during the Biden administration [48:25] that was supporting [48:25] small family farms. [48:27] It was expanding access [48:28] to healthy, nutritious food [48:30] and getting it [48:31] to the folks who needed it. [48:32] And then Elon Musk came in. [48:34] She cut that program down to zero [48:36] and that stopped. [48:38] Ashley Hinson has cheerleaded. [48:40] What Elon Musk has been doing [48:41] is they've been rampaging [48:42] through the federal government. [48:44] That's wrong for Iowa. [48:45] And that's the fundamental problem [48:46] with Ashley Hinson. [48:47] She is often putting [48:49] what the party bosses want [48:51] over what's right for Iowa. [48:53] That's unacceptable. [48:54] It's hurting our state. [48:55] It's resulting in hungry kids. [48:56] It's resulting in things [48:58] that are hurting our economy, [49:00] hurting our health care system, [49:02] all just to give Elon Musk [49:03] a big tax cut [49:04] in exchange for the 300-plus million [49:06] that he gave [49:07] to elect Donald Trump [49:08] president of the United States. [49:09] That is a fundamental disagreement [49:11] in terms of the approach [49:12] of what it means [49:13] to be a representative [49:13] of the people. [49:15] I've always thought [49:15] that it's my job [49:16] to be someone [49:17] who represents the people [49:18] to the government, [49:19] not the government [49:19] to the people. [49:21] You all have been campaigning [49:23] against each other. [49:24] The way our minute has disappeared, [49:26] just so you know, [49:27] in case we go over. [49:28] Hopefully I think we're back [49:30] to the minute. [49:31] It's live TV, baby. [49:33] You all have been campaigning [49:35] against each other for months. [49:38] During the course [49:38] of this conversation tonight, [49:40] you have pointed out [49:40] some differences [49:41] that you two have [49:42] with each other [49:43] on policy and purpose, [49:45] those kind of things. [49:47] Let us flip this around [49:49] and let us start [49:50] with you, Zach Walls. [49:51] What is something [49:52] about Josh Turek [49:53] you admire? [49:55] Well, look, [49:56] he's got an incredibly [49:57] inspiring life story, [49:59] overcome a lot of adversity, [50:00] and has a great [50:01] mid-range game. [50:04] I do. [50:06] All right. [50:07] I'll take that. [50:07] Flip that back on him. [50:09] What do you admire [50:10] about Zach Walls? [50:12] I think that Zach [50:13] has been an exceptional [50:15] representative for his community [50:17] and for Johnson County, [50:19] and especially for someone [50:20] that's been left out, [50:22] been a part of a minority group [50:24] myself that has been bullied. [50:25] I have an enormous amount [50:26] of respect. [50:27] I can't even imagine [50:28] the hardships that you went through [50:29] growing up with two moms [50:31] and the bullying [50:32] that you went through, [50:33] and I think you have done [50:33] an exceptional job [50:34] of advocating [50:36] for the LGBTQ community. [50:39] Well, now we want [50:40] to move on [50:40] to a lightning round. [50:41] So in these, [50:42] we're aiming for [50:43] one to two sentence answers. [50:46] Josh Turek, [50:46] we'll start with you. [50:47] What is the most valuable quality [50:49] that you would bring [50:50] to the job as U.S. senator? [50:53] Grit, hard work, determination. [50:55] Even when I was representing [50:57] the USA in wheelchair basketball, [50:59] I was cut six straight years. [51:00] I kept coming back [51:01] because I just had [51:02] a dogged refusal. [51:03] I'm going to represent [51:04] my country the same way [51:05] that I was able to win [51:06] these elections [51:07] by dragging my wheelchair upstairs, [51:08] even though I was [51:09] in a very, very red district. [51:10] With me, [51:11] you will get someone [51:12] that will work incredibly hard [51:13] to provide bipartisan solutions [51:15] to people's problems. [51:16] Zach Wells, [51:17] most valuable quality [51:18] you would bring [51:18] to the U.S. Senate? [51:20] As Josh mentioned [51:21] a moment ago, [51:22] I built a reputation [51:23] as a fighter. [51:24] I haven't won every battle [51:25] I've been in, [51:26] but I've never backed down. [51:27] Iowans can trust. [51:28] That's what I'll do [51:28] in the Senate. [51:29] You can also trust [51:30] that I'll be an independent [51:30] voice for Iowans. [51:31] Won't just toe the party line. [51:33] Won't just do what [51:33] the donors want. [51:34] I'll always do what I think [51:35] is right for Iowa. [51:36] All right, Zach Wells, [51:37] this one starts with you. [51:39] You've all said [51:39] a lot of things [51:40] you want to do, [51:41] but tell Iowans [51:42] the one thing [51:43] you will guarantee [51:44] that you will accomplish [51:46] as a United States Senator. [51:49] Dave, one of the things [51:50] that I hear from a lot of folks [51:51] as we travel across the state [51:52] is the need to challenge [51:53] the corruption [51:54] in this country. [51:56] I will, [51:57] as your United States Senator, [51:58] be a day one co-sponsor [51:59] of a constitutional amendment [52:01] to overturn Citizens United [52:02] and end the tyranny [52:03] of big money. [52:04] I promise to only serve [52:05] two terms in the United States [52:06] Senate if elected, [52:07] and to also make sure [52:08] that no member of Congress [52:09] can own, trade, sell, [52:10] stocks, cryptocurrency, [52:11] or gamble [52:11] on these prediction markets [52:12] while they'll be in office. [52:13] I'll lead by example [52:15] in all three of those [52:16] because that's how [52:16] you win people's trust back. [52:17] Josh Turek, [52:18] what's your money-back guarantee? [52:21] My money-back guarantee [52:22] is that, Iowans, [52:23] I pledge to you [52:24] that my North Star [52:26] politically will always be, [52:28] regardless of party leadership, [52:30] it is always going to be [52:31] what is best for Iowa, [52:33] what is best for Iowans, [52:34] what is best for the middle class. [52:35] I will always fight [52:36] to make health care [52:36] more affordable [52:37] and more accessible, [52:38] and I will address [52:39] the corruption [52:39] that has eroded D.C. [52:41] Josh Turek, [52:42] who is a current U.S. senator [52:44] that you admire? [52:45] A current one that I admire? [52:50] I admire Ruben Gallego [52:53] who's been able to win [52:55] in a tough race [52:56] in a red state, [52:58] and also the work [52:59] that he's done [53:00] as a veteran, [53:01] with veterans. [53:02] Zach Walls, [53:03] current U.S. senator you admire? [53:05] Tammy Baldwin. [53:06] She is from [53:07] a progressive community, [53:09] like the one that I was raised in. [53:11] She was able to win [53:12] a statewide election [53:13] because she's a hard worker, [53:14] she's a determined fighter, [53:16] and she's always willing [53:17] to do what she thinks is right. [53:18] I think that's something [53:19] who I look forward to [53:20] working with together [53:22] on the Ag Committee [53:22] in the United States Senate, [53:24] and I also have to give a shout-out [53:25] to Senator Elizabeth Warren [53:26] who was here [53:27] just over the weekend [53:28] supporting my campaign. [53:29] Okay, let's make this harder. [53:31] Let's name the Republican [53:32] U.S. senator you most admire. [53:34] Start with you. [53:36] Admires is a strong word. [53:37] What I would tell you [53:38] is that there are definitely folks [53:39] in the legislature [53:40] and the Senate [53:41] who I would work [53:42] to build a relationship with [53:43] because we may not agree [53:44] on most or some issues, [53:46] but I would say someone [53:47] who I've seen be a voice [53:49] in challenging private equity [53:50] is Josh Hawley [53:51] to our south down in Missouri. [53:53] I'm not sure I'll ever [53:54] be able to forget [53:55] Senator Hawley running out [53:57] of the Capitol [53:57] on January 6th, [53:59] but if there are places [53:59] where we can work together [54:00] to crack down on private equity, [54:02] get these big companies [54:03] out of our health care, [54:04] our housing, [54:05] I'll work with them [54:05] just like I'd work with anybody. [54:07] All right, you're a Republican? [54:09] I'll go here. [54:09] Admire is a strong word, [54:12] but I'll say this. [54:13] I have a deep amount [54:13] of respect for Senator Grassley. [54:16] Ninety-three years old. [54:17] Every single year [54:18] does the full 99 counties, [54:19] which I have given my pledge [54:22] that I will do [54:22] as a United States senator. [54:24] Someone who has been a senator [54:26] as long as I have been alive, [54:27] which is why we need term limits. [54:28] Someone that's been involved [54:29] in legislative government [54:30] since 1958. [54:32] That's an Eisenhower administration. [54:33] But I do have a deep amount [54:35] of respect. [54:36] Every time that I have gone up [54:37] to D.C. [54:38] to advocate for health care [54:40] and disability issues, [54:41] he has always been willing [54:41] to at least meet with me. [54:43] Well, it is now time [54:44] for closing statements. [54:45] And Josh Turek, [54:46] we'll start with you. [54:47] You have 60. [54:48] I go last, right? [54:50] Well. [54:51] I thought I went second. [54:52] We were alternating. [54:55] I will ask for my, [54:56] in my ear. [54:58] Oh, just dumb, Paul. [54:58] Why don't you take it? [55:01] All right. [55:01] All right. [55:01] Here we go. [55:02] Zach Wall, 60 seconds, [55:03] closing statement. [55:04] No problem. [55:04] Look, we all know [55:07] that we are in a hard time [55:09] right now. [55:10] Iowans are hurting [55:11] and scared. [55:13] Our children, [55:14] our grandchildren [55:15] face a darker future [55:16] than the one [55:17] that many of us inherited. [55:18] But together, [55:19] we can work through [55:20] this hard time. [55:21] Together, [55:21] we can win this race. [55:23] As your United States Senator, [55:25] I will take on anybody [55:26] who wants to write off [55:28] our state. [55:29] I will take on anybody [55:29] who caves to Donald Trump. [55:31] And I will always fight [55:32] for what I think is right [55:34] to end the corruption [55:35] in Washington. [55:36] We all know [55:37] that we have an economy [55:38] that has been rigged [55:39] for the billionaires. [55:40] We see those same billionaires [55:42] corrupting our politics, [55:43] trying to spend [55:44] an enormous amount of money [55:45] in this very election. [55:47] And we can't let them [55:48] get away with it. [55:49] We have to win back [55:50] the trust of the voters [55:52] who we have lost [55:53] in this state. [55:54] And we have a choice [55:55] to make as we think [55:56] about the June 2nd primary. [55:57] We can either try [55:58] to run the same [55:59] Schumer playbook again [56:00] and lose or we can fight [56:03] for the Iowans [56:04] that he wrote off [56:05] and win them back. [56:08] Josh Turek, [56:09] your closing statement, [56:10] 60 seconds. [56:12] Thank you to all of you [56:13] out there in Iowa [56:13] and to all the Iowans [56:15] across the state. [56:16] I can tell you [56:17] in traveling this state [56:18] for the last few months, [56:20] I know so many of you [56:21] are out there hurting. [56:22] I've heard it, [56:23] struggling just to keep [56:24] gas in your tank, [56:25] food on the table, [56:26] a roof above your head. [56:28] I know that struggle. [56:29] I've felt that struggle. [56:30] I'm someone that went [56:31] through an enormous amount [56:31] of economic adversity [56:33] and healthcare adversity [56:34] in my life. [56:35] This is what we need in D.C. [56:37] D.C. is broken [56:38] because it is millionaires [56:39] that are looking out [56:40] for billionaires. [56:42] We need individuals [56:43] like myself [56:44] from a place like [56:45] Council Bluffs, Iowa [56:46] with the lived experience [56:47] to go out there [56:48] and actually fight [56:49] for the people. [56:50] We need more fighters [56:51] for the middle class. [56:52] For 30 years in this state, [56:54] we were fortunate [56:54] to have Senator Tom Harkin [56:56] who has endorsed me [56:57] in this race [56:58] and this is a once [56:59] in a generation opportunity [57:00] for us to be able [57:01] to win Senator Harkin's seat back [57:03] and we can once again [57:05] here in Iowa [57:06] have a senator [57:07] that is fighting [57:08] for the people, [57:09] for Iowan Iowans, [57:10] fighting for social [57:11] and economic justice [57:12] and not just looking out [57:13] for the billionaires [57:14] and the large corporations. [57:15] I ask for your vote. [57:17] Well, thank you both [57:17] for being here [57:18] and to you all at home, [57:19] thank you for joining us [57:20] for the 2026 U.S. Senate [57:22] Democratic Primary Debate. [57:24] And a reminder, [57:24] of course, [57:25] the primary election [57:26] is on June 2nd. [57:27] Early voting already underway. [57:29] Remember, though, [57:29] if you're doing it by mail, [57:31] got to get that thing [57:32] received into your county [57:33] auditor by June 2nd. [57:36] That's right. [57:36] Time is ticking. [57:37] Can't come in late anymore. [57:38] Thanks for being with us. [57:39] Have a good night. [57:40] Well done. [57:40] Thank you.