As the midterm elections approach, a significant number of Republican candidates in competitive races are publicly advocating for an end to the war in Iran. As of Friday, 17 incumbent congressional Republicans and non-incumbent candidates for Senate or governor seats have called for the cessation of hostilities, either through congressional action to limit the president's war powers or via campaign trail statements.
This shift in rhetoric coincides with a substantial increase in diesel fuel prices, which have risen nearly 60% since the conflict began in late February. A recent CNN poll indicated that 67% of Americans disapprove of President Trump's job performance and 73% disapprove of his handling of the Iran situation. Furthermore, 73% of Americans reported that the war in Iran is negatively impacting their financial situation, including 59% of Republicans.
Congress has held votes on resolutions requiring the president to seek congressional approval for continued military action in Iran. While some Republicans have joined Democrats in passing these resolutions, they do not legally compel the president to alter his course.
Among the Republican candidates voicing dissent are six incumbent members of Congress seeking re-election and five running in statewide races. Four of these five candidates have previously voted against war powers resolutions.
Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, a former congressman, released an advertisement stating, "The war with Iran needs to end and end quickly. When it does, energy costs will plummet." He has since emphasized that any resolution must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
In Wisconsin, Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. Tom Tiffany stated that it is "time to move on" from the conflict, adding, "We've degraded their nuclear facilities. We degraded their military. Most of their ships are in the bottom of the ocean. Time to come home, take care of business here in America."
Ohio Republican Sen. John Husted, facing a close re-election bid, expressed that "The war needs to come to an end as quickly as possible so that we can lower gas prices," though he has voted against war powers resolutions.
Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa, running in a tight Senate race, reversed her previous stance and called for an "immediate end" to the war, citing the financial strain on Iowans due to high prices at the pump and checkout line. She also advocated for measures to lower fuel costs, including pausing diesel exports and suspending the gas tax.
Her Democratic opponent, Josh Turek, criticized Hinson's voting record, stating she "chose not to" vote to end the war when given the opportunity.
House Speaker Mike Johnson had previously adjourned the House for a two-week recess, stating that members should return to their districts to discuss their legislative accomplishments.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republican lawmakers who have recently broken with the president on the Iran war, questioning their timing and commitment.
Iowa Republican Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn have also shifted their positions, voting in favor of recent war powers resolutions after opposing them previously. Both cited the financial burden on Americans and the need to avoid prolonged conflicts. Nunn also highlighted the loss of Iowan service members in the conflict and called for action to lower diesel prices.