Democratic campaigns and allied groups are using the Iran war as a wedge issue in midterm races, running ads that link Republican candidates to rising costs—even when those candidates never voted on the conflict.
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01Summary
- 01Since 1 September, Iran-related ads have aired on TV more than 43,000 times in key races, costing an estimated $42 million, according to AP analysis of AdImpact data.
- 02At least half of 50 competitive House and Senate races featured Iran-themed ads, with 61 of 65 unique spots stressing cost-of-living messages.
- 03In Wisconsin, one ad says Congressman Derrick Van Orden “voted for the costly Iran war and spiking gas prices.”
- 04Seven House Republicans sided with Democrats in the latest vote to end the war, including Tom Barrett, Brian Fitzpatrick, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Zach Nunn.
- 05Republicans have largely avoided Iran in their ads, focusing instead on taxes, crime, and healthcare.
02Why it matters
For voters, the ads highlight how Democrats are trying to tie Republican opponents to inflation and higher living costs by linking them to an unpopular conflict—a strategy that could swing tight House and Senate races.
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