GOP Candidates Distance Themselves from Trump Over Iran War

Republican candidates in competitive midterm races are increasingly distancing themselves from Donald Trump as voter anger grows over the seven-month war in Iran and spiking fuel prices. Senate nominees Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Mike Rogers of Michigan, along with Senator Jon Husted of Ohio, have called for a swift end to the conflict to lower gasoline and diesel costs, which have risen significantly since February. This shift occurs as Trump's approval ratings have declined, hitting 32 percent in some polls, and public disapproval of his handling of the war has reached 75 percent.

While Trump has dismissed high energy costs as an inexpensive price to pay to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, several GOP lawmakers have supported war powers resolutions to limit his military authority. Democratic opponents, including Josh Turek and Abdul El-Sayed, have characterized these pivots as election-year flip-flopping, noting that some candidates previously voted against measures to curb the conflict. Other Republicans have broken with the administration on immigration enforcement and trade policies to attract swing voters.

To protect their majorities, the Republican Party has deployed over $110 million in advertising since August, focusing on traditionally red states where Democrats are gaining traction. Trump continues to campaign for the party, urging candidates to treat the midterms as a continuation of his agenda and suggesting a deal with Iran may be reached only after the November elections.