Since I wrote “If It’s Turek, That’s Terrific!” earlier this year I have witnessed Josh Turek up close and personal on many occasions. The more I see and hear him in action, the more I believe he is the resilient leader and pragmatic policymaker we so desperately need representing the people of Iowa in Washington, D.C.
My first personal interaction with Josh Turek was when an unknown number with a “712” area code rang my phone back in April. It didn’t say “potential spam,” so I went ahead and answered it. Josh was on the line— he heard the song I wrote about his candidacy and wanted to personally thank me for my efforts and support. He was in the midst of a heated race with Zach Wahls for the Democratic nomination but he made time for me — a single constituent with a simple folk song. We chatted for a spell; the whole experience was quite genuine.
Having grown up in rural Kansas as part of the farm crisis of the ’80s, I can relate to Josh’s upbringing: a family working hard to make ends meet. His father’s exposure to Agent Orange during Vietnam resulting in Josh’s inability to use his legs since birth is a whole different level of hardship—the kind that can, at least for some, forge unignorable resilience. Turek certainly knows how to roll through tough times and ascend to greater successes which is the type of leadership we could use these days in Iowa.
Last weekend, the Polk County Democrats hosted a steak fry fundraiser at which numerous candidates spoke, including Josh. I decided to host a booth in support of his campaign (it also came with a couple of steak dinners that were quite delicious). It took a little time to figure out a direction for the booth, but when Jen suggested a Pop-A-Shot game, I was all in. Given Josh’s impressive basketball career, this felt wonderfully on brand and super fun. We spent our first weekend as empty nesters assembling a classic arcade game that only barely squeezed into our SUV for the crosstown trek to Des Moines Water Works Park.
We enjoyed the day, despite a few weather hiccups. Jen and I contended with rain during morning setup, and in the afternoon a gust of wind took our tent for a 50-foot joyride. Later that day, we heard that Josh was going to make his way to (what was left of) our booth to shoot some hoops after his speech. Word spread quickly, especially to young Liam Mandelbaum who had the high score on the leaderboard with 80 points.
As I looked down the large and long sidewalk, I could see Josh en route, stopping and talking with numerous folks along the way. He was making time for people, which certainly wasn’t a surprise to me.
Since our dearly departed tent was no longer shading the game, it was nearly impossible to see the score. That didn’t stop Josh from having some fun with us. He learned of Liam’s leaderboard status and asked for a demo—encouraging the middle schooler with compliments on his technique and his bag full of swag, complete with a couple Turek 4 Iowa stickers.
He thanked us for our continued support of his campaign, stopped for more pictures with voters, answered more questions, and moved on down the road with his team to their next endeavor. Gracious and genuine—just like every other time I’ve interacted with him.
When Josh Turek wins this fall, so will the people of Iowa. But he cannot do it alone. He will be massively outspent in traditional media, so he needs all the team members he can find to give an assist here or there. So, here’s a request from yours truly to “chip in” and help this good guy get to the United States Senate. Imagine the pride we Iowans will share when Josh Turek’s leadership and resilience is on display nationally, taking on tough issues and offering real solutions because his lived experience gives him powerful perspective. You can also share the rock and pass this QR code along to a friend. Let ’em know you’re on the leaderboard supporting the future of Iowa and think they should “Give Josh a Shot,” too. Pop in $3, or maybe $6 in honor of the number of votes he won his first election by (or the rich history of 6-on-6 basketball in Iowa). You call your shot, player. Just step on the court and join Team Turek.
To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, of which I’m a proud member. Many of us will be at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat this fall and we’d love to have you come join us. It’s for writers and learners at all stages in the creative process—full of wonderful people connecting in new and meaningful ways. You can learn more here and attend these incredible listening room sessions with some amazing Iowa musicians as part of the retreat.
Other Ways to Support Chip Happens
Did you know I carry my health insurance license and help folks navigate the caregiver journey in addition to my writing and music? Please learn about my personal experience and licensed services at www.chiphappens.life. I help folks evaluate strategic alternatives to traditional long-term care based on my personal experience as a family caregiver with loved ones that endured difficult cancer and dementia diagnoses. More than 63 million Americans were caregivers in 2025 so I believe it’s an important conversation for friends and families to undertake. Please read and share my article Prepare to Care with your network to better understand the role of caregivers as the “invisible backbone” of the American health care system.
All annual paid subscribers to the Chip Happens Substack receive a copy of my CD compilation, Twenty-Five, that includes 25 original songs and an autograph if you request it. If you are only in the market for the CD, it is available here for $25. CD art and design were completed by my amazing and talented wife, Jen Albright, who is the driving force behind our boutique strategy + creative firm, AlbrightSpark.
Such fun marketing, you two! Well done. Go Josh!