Vance Blames Iran War for GOP Midterm Losses

Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterms. Vice President JD Vance blamed the Iran war as the main reason Republicans lost, saying some voters who backed him and President Donald Trump in 2024 switched to Democrats; his comments were seen as distancing himself from Trump. Vance cited rising fuel prices, cost-of-living pressures, inflation, a lack of focus on “America First” priorities and U.S. ties with Israel, although polling showed economic concerns generally ranked higher than opposition to the war. Trump said the war and gasoline prices likely contributed to the losses but defended the campaign, arguing Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not seek to lead Republicans in the next Congress; although many incoming lawmakers oppose the conflict, Congress may have limited ability to end it quickly as diplomacy and military operations continue. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called the Democratic victory a rejection of the war and warned of a “nightmare” if Washington resumed attacks; former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent also called the result a referendum on the war and urged Trump to end it and avoid escalation, while the election raised questions about Vance’s potential 2028 run and Donald Trump Jr. endorsed Vance’s post.