Ted Cruz blames Republican midterm losses on cost of living and Iran war

Republicans suffered a major defeat in the 2026 US midterm elections, losing control of both the House and Senate, according to Senator Ted Cruz, who called the result a "blue tsunami" and a "Watergate-level repudiation." Cruz attributed the losses to voter anger over rising living costs, the Iran war, and economic pressures, citing exit polls showing cost of living as the top concern. He noted Republicans lost in traditionally red states like Kansas and Iowa, with Democrats winning every statewide race in Texas. The senator urged his party to rebuild support among blue-collar workers, Hispanics, and young voters by championing economic policies that address working-class concerns, while warning Democrats against overreach on taxes and energy regulation.