I’ve had great role models throughout my life. Here are the two that helped make me the man—and the “roll” model—I am today.
🏀 🐐 The G.O.A.T: Michael Jordan
Before I was “Josh Turek, pro athlete and Paralympian” I was just Josh, a kid from Council Bluffs who loved to play wheelchair basketball.
I spent every Sunday afternoon GLUED to the TV, watching the Chicago Bulls at the absolute height of their powers. I wanted to go pro like Jordan.
My dad said to me, “I don’t care what you do, as long as you do it 100%.”
I took that advice and rolled with it.
I went to practice early and stayed late afterwards. I scrimmaged with my siblings in the front yard. I taught myself to eat, train, and sleep like an athlete. I got good enough to earn a scholarship to college.
The greatness Jordan inspired in me (and my dad’s words of wisdom) laid the foundation for all my athletic achievements—a record-breaking collegiate career, four Paralympics, two gold medals, 15 years playing pro.
And you can bet I’ll start early, stay late, and give 100% every day to fighting for you when I’m in the U.S. Senate.
🏛️ 🦸 My Super-Senator, Tom Harkin
Before I was “Josh Turek, State Rep and U.S. Senate nominee” I was just Josh, a disabled kid from Council Bluffs who struggled to navigate a world that wasn’t designed for me.
I was initially put in special ed just because I was in a wheelchair. At school I was bullied, left out, and underestimated.
Then when I was 11, Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa passed the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Suddenly there were ramps and sidewalks where I needed them, programs to bring kids with disabilities together. I learned that I wasn’t alone, but more importantly, I learned that I could achieve things.
Tom Harkin wasn’t just my senator; he was my Superman. He planted the seed of public service that pushed me to run for office as a first-time candidate in 2022.
It’s been a privilege to serve my community, and winning back Tom Harkin’s seat this November will be the honor of my life. But to do that without corporate PAC money, I’m counting on your grassroots support.
Now I’m a “Roll” Model myself, and I take that very seriously.🧑🦽
As an athlete and a public servant, I’ve gone from having role models to being a “roll” model for a new generation.
When I meet kids out on the campaign trail, I always take the time to introduce myself and learn about their hopes for the future. (And if there’s a basketball on hand, we might shoot a few hoops.🏀)
When I’m in the U.S. Senate, I’ll fight tooth and nail for better schools, free lunch programs, healthcare, clean water and air, and opportunities for kids from every background…just like my senator once did for me.
Flipping this seat means taking back the Senate and reviving the American Dream for the next generation. But a stable of GOP superPACs and dark money groups are spending $50 million to keep Iowa red.
I promise I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important: Will you pitch in any amount to help me overcome their money machine and win?
Yours,
Josh Turek