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Meet The Candidates: Senate Hopeful Josh Turek Visits VGM Group To Champion Accessibility & Advocacy

Published in VGM Government Relations on September 24, 2025

Waterloo, IA —On Monday, VGM Group hosted the first of our “Meet The Candidate” forums by welcoming Iowa State Representative Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. 

Turek, who currently represents Iowa House District 20, is widely recognized for his advocacy on disability rights and healthcare reform. As a wheelchair user and two-time Paralympic gold medalist, he brings a deep personal perspective to issues affecting the disability community. 

During his time in the Iowa House, Turek led efforts to pass “right to repair” legislation for complex rehabilitation technology (CRT), aiming to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that delay essential wheelchair repairs for Medicaid recipients. 

Josh Turek Visits VGM

At his visit to VGM, Turek emphasized the importance of ensuring access to high-quality DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) products and services. He also spoke about the broader implications of healthcare affordability, framing his campaign around “kitchen table issues” that resonate with everyday Iowans. 

Turek’s ability to connect across party lines—particularly in rural and working-class communities—has helped him build grassroots momentum. His blend of lived experience, legislative accomplishments, and pragmatic advocacy is drawing attention as the race for Iowa’s open Senate seat intensifies. 

For more information about Rep. Josh Turek and his campaign, visit https://turek4iowa.com

Josh Turek Visits VGM

The Champions of Campaign is expanding into Meet The Candidates as we get closer to the primary election season. This is a prime opportunity to engage with current and aspiring legislators—many of whom are eager to connect, share their stories, and learn about the issues that matter to you. What better time to introduce them to the HME industry and the impact it has? We encourage you to take advantage of these moments to build relationships and advocate for our shared priorities.  

If you’d like support along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to emily.kettman@vgm.com. And be sure to explore our Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit for helpful tips and resources. Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit: Creating Champions Of Change by VGM Group, Inc. - Issuu

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