Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) stated on Sept. 28 that the ongoing conflict with Iran has become the dominant issue in the upcoming midterm elections, overshadowing other concerns such as economic affordability.
During an interview on Fox News’s America’s Newsroom, Thune was asked whether the midterm races would have been different if the Senate had passed the SAVE America Act, a Trump-backed election security bill. He responded that affordability issues, particularly rising fuel costs, are the primary focus for voters.
Thune cited diesel prices in the Midwest—such as Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Minnesota—as a key concern. He added, “It’s the price of diesel… And so, I think that’s the issue. And what’s happening, Iran [has] sort of trumped everything else that’s going on.”
Recent polling indicates broad public disapproval of the Trump administration’s military campaign against Iran. A September Economist-YouGov poll found that 57% of Americans believe the war with Iran was the wrong decision, compared to 23% who supported it. Additionally, 61% of respondents favored a negotiated settlement to end the conflict swiftly.
Economic concerns tied to the conflict were also reflected in a Wall Street Journal poll, where 60% of respondents stated that Trump’s policies have worsened the economy. As of Sept. 28, the average price of regular gasoline in the U.S. was $4.47 per gallon, while diesel reached $6.45 per gallon—near a historic high of $6.52 recorded the previous week. Brent crude oil futures rose to $106 per barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed to $93 per barrel.
The price increases followed President Trump’s rejection of an Iranian proposal on Sept. 26 to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear negotiations. Tehran’s proposal came amid escalating tensions, including recent attacks on shipping lanes and oil infrastructure in the region.
Political analysts suggest that the combination of high fuel prices and the Iran conflict could influence voter turnout and party performance in the November midterms, particularly in energy-dependent states. Thune emphasized that Republican electoral prospects may hinge on how effectively the party addresses these dual concerns.
The SAVE America Act, which Thune referenced, aimed to enhance election security measures but failed to advance in the Senate. Its failure has become a point of contention in discussions about election integrity and governance ahead of the midterms.