Republicans face growing political trouble ahead of November's midterm elections as the war in Iran keeps gas prices high and voters worry about living costs.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue said that one of its engineers, Colton R. Tibbetts, died on Wednesday morning. He was 23.Florida AG Uthmeier says the NFL’s ‘Rooney Rule’ violates the state’s employment laws banning discrimination Read full article: Florida AG Uthmeier says the NFL’s ‘Rooney Rule’ violates the state’s employment laws banning discrimination‘The most loving person’: Loved ones of woman killed in hit-and-run remember her life as police still seek suspect Read full article: ‘The most loving person’: Loved ones of woman killed in hit-and-run remember her life as police still seek suspectJacksonville families say goodbye as Navy destroyer heads out for overseas deploymentPresident Donald Trump speaks during the swearing in for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Washington.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Washington. President Donald Trump speaks during the swearing in for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Washington. Against that backdrop, Trump will work to rally the GOP on Wednesday night when he addresses the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner at Washington’s Union Station.has gone too far and voters are more and more worried about Trump's failure to address affordability issues. That, coupled with a weakening labor market and worries about renewed inflation, means Republicans could face a string of glaring liabilities as they try to maintain control of both the House and Senate. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican from Alaska, said her constituents are asking about the path forward in Iran and whether Trump will deploy troops there. “There’s a lot that people want to know, so whether it’s how it’s being communicated in the media, or how it’s being communicated here in the Congress, I think it’s lacking right now,” Murkowski said.Trump has so far mostly responded by continuing to point to record-high stock markets and low gas prices that evaporated after the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on Feb. 28. He’s also insisted that the current economic jolt will be temporary, and that he can bring the conflict to a close quickly — all of which defy the Gas prices were $3.12 a gallon when Democratic President Joe Biden left office and were just under $3 before the U.S. and Israel launched the war in Iran. Today’s average is $3.98, according to motorist group AAA. Higher prices at the pump tend to cascade through the economy, raising costs at the grocery store, in the service sector and in most other areas — meaning the worst of the political fallout might come in the months closer to Election Day. In the meantime, about 59% of Americans say U.S. military strikes in Iran have been excessive, while 45% are “extremely” or “very” concerned about being able to afford gas in the next few months. That's according to a poll released Wednesday byIn another political headache, the partial government shutdown has dragged on for five weeks, lately sparking chaos at some of the nation's top airports. The White House blames congressional Democrats who have blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security as they press for“The American people are tired of the chaos. They’re tired of the excuses. And they’re tired of watching Washington fail,” said Rep. Mark Alford, a Missouri Republican who was among the party’s lawmakers who held a news conference Tuesday at Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport to blame Democrats for the shutdown.Democrats, though, are bullish about their chances in November. Historically, the president's party loses seats in the midterm elections, and Democrats feel there are stronger political headwinds at play for Trump this year considering the war in Iran and the shockwaves it sent through an economy many voters were already wary of. They got an extra boost Tuesday with Gregory's win in the solidly Republican district including Mar-a-Lago. While she will have to run again in November, when turnout will likely be far higher, its repercussions weren’t lost on either party. “If Democrats can win in Trump’s own backyard, we can win anywhere,” said Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin.“I have to do what’s right,” Trump said recently aboard Air Force One. “I can’t say that ‘Gee, I don’t want to have any impact on oil prices for three or four weeks, or two months, and we’re going to let Iran have a nuclear weapon.’”Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., said voters in his Long Island-based district are concerned about affordability and safety. But he also said that the war in Iran means “the president is right to think about America’s long-term security.” On whether Iran policy will be an anchor for Republicans, LaLota encouraged taking a wait-and-see approach leading up to November, and said any fallout could depend whether the U.S. has stopped Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reopened theRichard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, similarly said it was too early to jump to political conclusions. “If we’re still at this stage in the war in the fall, then I’ll talk to you about that,” Hudson said. “But the president says it’s going to be short, so I believe him. I think he did the right thing by doing what he did.” As for higher gas prices, Hudson said, “Voters are smart enough to know this is a temporary increase.” House Speaker Mike Johnson said he trusts Trump's assurances that Iran-related economic disruptions won't last: “We’ll see how it shakes out, but our gameplan is exactly the same." “We’re going to go out and sell promises made, promises kept, our good record and we’re excited about that campaign.”Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.End the month off right with this lineup of events from March 26-29Pearl Street Square to bring apartments, restaurants, beer gardens & jobs to Downtown JacksonvilleBurden of failing roof lifted for Jacksonville veteran through volunteer projectAccused shooter in death of 2-year-old boy denied bondGardening in a new light. Some recommended updates for healthier seedlings.Powerful winds, worsening drought threaten Jacksonville areaJSO arrests 21-year-old man accused of fatally shooting 2-year-oldFormer JEA chief of staff tells City Council committee employees are ‘scared for their job’Help spread the word about AI scams targeting service membersMechanical issue causes JTA bus to catch fire on Arlington ExpresswayRoad-rage shootout leaves 1 dead, police searching for 2nd driverCuban immigrants in Jacksonville call for action as island faces widescale blackout
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Warning signs flash red for Republicans ahead of midterm electionsRepublicans face growing political trouble ahead of November's midterm elections as the war in Iran keeps gas prices high and voters worry about living costs. A new AP-NORC poll shows most Americans say U.S. action in Iran has been excessive.
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