Vance blames Iran war for Republican midterm losses

US Vice President J.D. Vance said Wednesday that Republicans lost control of Congress to Democrats in the midterm elections because of the war in Iran, citing the conflict as the central cause of the defeat. Vance posted on social media that the main problem was not voter turnout but that many who voted for Trump/Vance in 2024 switched to Democrats in 2026, driven by dissatisfaction with the war, cost of living, inflation, and US policy toward Israel. President Trump acknowledged Iran's role in the losses, saying the war raised gas prices short-term but was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The conflict, started February 28, has cost up to $100 billion, with 55% of voters saying it was not worth the cost.