Vance cites Iran war in GOP midterm defeat

Vice President JD Vance identified the Iran war and the US relationship with Israel as primary causes for the Republican Party's defeat in Tuesday's midterm elections. Speaking via a post on X on Wednesday, Vance argued that voter dissatisfaction with these two issues drove a historic shift in the electorate.

Democrats secured control of both the House and the Senate in the November 3 vote. Vance noted that this outcome represented a significant rebuke of President Donald Trump's administration. He specifically pointed to 2024 Trump voters who crossed party lines to support Democratic candidates in 2026.

Vance quoted a pollster who surveyed voters who had left the Republican coalition. The top four reasons for their defection were to end the Iran war, focus on cost of living and inflation, prioritize American interests, and change the relationship with Israel. Vance added that a conservative TV personality had previously advised the administration to resolve the conflict diplomatically, calling her advice sound in hindsight.

President Trump acknowledged the impact of the conflict on the results. Speaking at a construction site outside the White House on Wednesday, Trump stated that spiking gas prices contributed to the losses. However, he defended the decision to launch the war, saying he would do it again if given the choice.

Trump said, “I think it’s largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short term.” He maintained that ending Iran's nuclear capability was the only long-term solution. The president also ruled out firing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a proponent of military action against Iran, claiming the secretary is doing a good job.

When asked about previous statements suggesting the war would end after the midterms, Trump disputed the timeline. He claimed he had only said nuclear weapons would be destroyed, referencing the June 2025 strikes known as Midnight Hammer. Trump said, “The war will end whenever I want it to. But it’s got to be done right.”

President Isaac Herzog responded to the American political developments on Wednesday. During a meeting with representatives of the Yisrael Beytenu party, Herzog expressed respect for both President Trump and Vice President Vance. He noted that these sentiments reflect the current mood in the US, a key ally, and affirmed that Israel strives to maintain bipartisan relations.

Vance has previously signaled a cooler approach to Israel compared to Trump. He opposed the war before its launch on February 28 and has since criticized elements of the Israeli government for influencing American public opinion. Israel has not participated in strikes on Iran since April, and Vance is considered a likely contender for the presidency in 2028.