Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) expressed confidence on June 2, 2026, that public support aligns with President Donald Trump's stance on Iran, despite concerns that rising energy prices could negatively impact the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections. In an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Cruz stated that the increase in gas prices is temporary and still lower than the highs experienced during the Biden administration. He emphasized that the short-term effects of rising energy prices due to the conflict with Iran are justified to prevent the regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Cruz remarked, "I don’t think national security decisions should be done based on short-term political considerations," and he believes the midterms will not be materially affected by the current situation. He suggested that resolving the conflict favorably could lead to lower gas prices in the long term.
The conflict has caused significant fluctuations in global energy markets, particularly affecting prices in the U.S. As of now, the national average gas price stands at $4.29 per gallon, which is over a dollar higher than the previous year. Although prices have decreased from $4.43 a month ago, they remain elevated compared to last year's average of $3.14.
Polling data indicates that rising gas prices may influence voter sentiment, with a recent survey showing that 57% of respondents were less likely to support the Republican Party due to high gas prices. Cruz acknowledged that while the GOP has work to do before the elections, he remains optimistic about the party's prospects in retaining control of both the House and Senate.