Sen. Rand Paul said Tuesday that the midterm elections might be “disastrous” for Republicans if the Iran war continues and oil prices rise.
Mr. Paul, Kentucky Republican, was the only Republican to vote in support of the war powers resolution in the Senate last week that would’ve required President Trump to get congressional approval for any nondefensive military action against Iran.
“I don’t think split party is the problem. I think high oil prices will be a problem. I think the 2026 elections — already we are behind the eight ball as far as the electoral process,” he told Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo.
“I think if you add in high gas prices, high oil prices, and if we are still bombing Iran with kinetic action, people don’t want to call it war, there is still kinetic action that causes oil to be over $100, I think you’re going to see a disastrous election,” the senator said.
Amid the war with Iran after the U.S. launched strikes against the country late last month, West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices spiked to slightly over $100 per barrel on Monday.
Mr. Trump said Sunday that the surging oil prices are only temporary.
“Short-term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace,” Mr. Trump said on Truth Social late Sunday, adding in all caps for emphasis: “Only fools would think differently!”
Meanwhile, Americans have seen a rise in gas prices at the pump. According to AAA, the national average for gas is over $3.50. The average price just a month ago was less than $3.
Republicans hold slim majorities in the House and the Senate, and the country has seen Democrats winning in off-year elections while using affordability as one of their main talking points.
Looking toward November, Democrats have expressed optimism they can win necessary seats in the midterms.
