Why Republicans Lost Congress: Trump's Iran War and Weak Candidates

The Republican Party suffered a crushing defeat in the US Congressional elections on November 3, 2026, with Democratic victories exceeding all predictions and turning into a "blue tsunami." President Donald Trump has been transformed from a "winner" into a "lame duck" as a result. The fatal decision for the Trump administration was starting the war in Iran, which drove up inflation and broke his key campaign promises. Trump's hand-picked weak candidates also contributed to losses, with Democrats winning in traditionally Republican states like Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas. Trump retains veto power and will likely become "Mr. Veto," while Democrats will launch investigations into his administration. For Ukraine, the next two months carry risks of unpredictable Trump actions, followed by a need to navigate between a Democratic Congress and the White House.