Republican Senate and Gubernatorial Candidates Shift Stance on Iran Conflict Amid Midterm Poll Pressures
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Facing unfavorable polls, several Republican candidates for Senate and governor races have begun calling for an end to the U.S. involvement in Iran, citing economic concerns and voter backlash.
Former Michigan congressman and Senate candidate Mike Rogers said on Monday that the war with Iran should end quickly, arguing that a cease-fire would lower energy prices for Michigan families. Rogers, previously known for a hawkish record, is trailing Democratic rival Abdul El-Sayed by seven points in a recent Suffolk University poll.
Iowa Senate candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson also urged an end to the conflict, linking high gasoline and grocery costs to the war. Hinson trails Democrat Josh Turek by eight points in a Marist poll, and Turek responded that voters have repeatedly supported measures to continue the war.
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis announced he will vote for a war-powers resolution directing President Trump to end the Iran operation, describing the conflict as a “forever war” that is hurting the economy. Tillis said the Senate needs clarity on the war’s objectives.
In Florida, gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Byron Donalds removed several Trump-endorsement references from his campaign website, though a photo with the former president remains. Donalds remains in a close race with Democrat David Jolly.
Wisconsin’s gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany similarly called for an exit from Iran, while his Democratic opponent David Crowley noted Tiffany’s voting record supporting the war.
National polling shows two-thirds of Americans doubt the United States is winning in Iran, and Republican approval of Trump’s handling of the conflict has fallen from 73% to 60% since March. A separate poll indicated a majority favor impeaching Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth for initiating the war without congressional authorization.
Trump has said the upcoming midterm results will not alter U.S. policy in Iran, emphasizing that he is not a candidate. However, the shifting positions of multiple Republican contenders suggest the war and related economic issues are becoming electoral liabilities.