Foreign Policy Enters U.S. Midterm Campaigns As Voters Face Rising Costs

Voting Underway

Americans head to the polls on November 3 to choose new lawmakers on Capitol Hill and at state and local levels. Foreign policy questions have now become tied to domestic policy matters during these midterm races. The main foreign issues involve U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on trading partners, the war in Iran, and U.S. support for Israel to a lesser extent.

Impact on Voters

The war in Iran caused gas and diesel prices to climb. These higher fuel costs, combined with tariffs, have created difficulties for Republicans in their strongholds. They have also caused challenges for Mr. Trump with his own base, which includes manufacturing workers, business owners, and farmers. Republican candidates and Mr. Trump have argued that price rises are temporary and worth the war with Iran, which they call necessary.

Campaign Advertising

Between September 1 and October 14, campaign ads for at least half of 50 competitive Senate and House races featured Iran. A study by the Associated Press shows the total spend on these ads reached $42 million. Almost all of the 65 unique ads linked the Iran war to the cost of living.

Context

Midterm elections in the United States take place halfway through a president's four-year term to elect members of the U.S. Congress. Voters often use these elections to show their approval or disapproval of the current administration's policies. Foreign conflicts and international trade decisions frequently influence local economic conditions for everyday citizens.