"The reason we lost is the war": Vance blames the Iran conflict for the Republican midterm rout

Vice President J.D. Vance blamed Republicans' midterm losses on public anger over the U.S. war with Iran. Military Times described the comments as an apparent break with the administration he serves.

In a long post on X on Wednesday, Nov. 4, his first public comment on the results, Vance wrote that "the reason we lost is the war." He wrote that many people who voted for the Trump-Vance ticket in 2024 voted for Democrats in 2026, Fox News reported. He also pointed to the cost of living and to frustration with U.S. relations with Israel.

Vance called for an "honest conversation" about what comes next, according to Military Times. Fox News reported that he urged Republicans to end the war, bring down costs, recommit to an America First agenda and change the relationship with Israel. He also warned against any push for immigration amnesty.

A different message from the president

President Trump told The New York Times on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 3, that going to war with Iran was a "very wise decision." He also said Republicans lost mainly because he was not on the ballot, Military Times reported. Fox News reported that the president had acknowledged the war played a role while still calling it necessary. Vance referred to that in his post. Fox News said the White House and Vance's office had not responded to requests for comment.

The war in numbers

These figures were reported by Military Times:

• The war began on Feb. 28.
• More than 860 U.S. troops have been wounded and at least 23 killed.
• The Pentagon estimates the cost at more than $47 billion, more than 25% above its July estimate.
• A Reuters/Ipsos poll in July found that only about one in three Americans supported the war.

Vance is widely seen as a possible 2028 presidential candidate. He has said he would weigh his future after the midterms, Fox News reported.