Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) stated on Monday night, November 2, that the ongoing war in Iran and resulting gasoline prices are negatively affecting Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith,” DeSantis characterized the conflict as a “big, big drag” on the party’s electoral prospects.
The remarks come as voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, for midterm elections that will determine control of Congress. During his 2024 campaign, President Trump ran on a platform of avoiding new foreign conflicts. DeSantis noted that some Republican voters have "checked out" because they did not want further Middle East wars, according to his interview.
National gasoline prices reached an Election Day record average of $4.11 per gallon on Tuesday. Reports indicate the elevated costs are primarily driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil passage. DeSantis stated that failing to acknowledge the war's impact on costs would be "gaslighting" voters, adding that the economic strain is specifically affecting "working-class people."
On Monday night, the U.S. conducted defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, including Qeshm Island, according to the Associated Press. While NPR could not independently verify the strike details, Iran reported explosions on the island. The Associated Press reported these strikes coincided with heightened Iranian attacks on shipping vessels. Iranian officials have offered to reopen the strait in two days if the U.S. re-engages in negotiations.
The conflict's duration poses risks to federal policy and economic stability. DeSantis stated that if the war continues through the remainder of the Trump presidency, it would be "devastating" to the administration's ability to get things done and create significant difficulties for Republicans in the 2028 election cycle. Beyond fuel costs, the war has caused instability in Iran's natural gas networks due to damage, leading to energy conservation warnings for millions of Iranians as winter approaches.
The election occurs as President Trump’s popularity has reached a reported all-time low, making states like Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and Iowa central to the battle for congressional control. Voters have expressed concerns regarding corruption and the economy, with many feeling their priorities have been neglected in favor of large-scale events. Final election results may take several days to be confirmed. Officials will monitor Republican turnout in Senate races in Ohio, Kansas, and South Carolina as polls close throughout Tuesday evening.