Democrats take both congressional chambers as Iran war weighs on GOP

Democrats won both chambers of Congress in the November midterm elections, and a growing number of Republicans now point to the Iran war as a significant factor in the party's losses. Robert L. Maginnis, writing in an opinion piece for Fox News, argues that the conflict has already carried a political price for the GOP and asks what its broader cost to the country will be.

The Democratic gains were substantial. The party flipped at least seven Senate seats, including races in Texas, Ohio, Kansas and Iowa. Vice President JD Vance has said the Iran war contributed to Republican losses, while President Donald Trump has said he would do nothing differently. Maginnis wrote before the war began that the facts needed to be established first, a warning he says has become more pressing as the conflict has continued.

Public opinion appears to reflect that unease. A Fox News poll found that more than a third of respondents said the Iran war was crucial to their House vote. About six in 10 said that attacking Iran was the wrong decision. In the same survey, respondents were more inclined to favor ending U.S. involvement than to accept renewed strikes in exchange for lower gas prices.

The financial toll is also taking shape. The Pentagon reports $47.1 billion in war spending through October 16, a figure that excludes repairs to bases. The Wall Street Journal estimates that base repairs could cost between $5 billion and $15 billion. The conflict has also pulled military assets away from other theaters: the aircraft carrier USS George Washington was diverted from the Pacific to the Middle East.

The military campaign's results remain contested. The opening strikes killed Supreme Leader Khamenei, but the Iranian regime survives, and Iran still threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Within the administration, officials are divided. Vice President Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly favor a negotiated deal, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are described as favoring continued force. Reports also suggest that Hegseth could face pressure to be replaced, and that Trump has been reluctant to resume major attacks while talks proceed.

The political shift has a New York dimension as well. Governor Kathy Hochul has said the state now has significant clout in Congress. Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn and Chuck Schumer, also of Brooklyn, are positioned to lead the House and Senate Democratic caucuses, while Trump, a native of Queens, would hold the presidency. It would be the first time sons of New York lead both chambers of Congress and the presidency at once. Jeffries would also become the first New York House speaker in nearly 160 years and the first Black House speaker. His path was opened when Joseph Crowley lost the 2018 Democratic primary to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

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Derek Weston

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Derek Weston covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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