Democrats use Iran war votes in ads to challenge Republicans in midterms

Democrats and aligned advocacy groups are running numerous campaign ads focusing on Republican votes related to the Iran war as part of efforts to regain control of the House and Senate, PBS NewsHour reported.

The ads criticize Republican candidates for supporting the Iran war and link those votes to rising costs for groceries, gas, and other essentials, according to the Associated Press. Examples include ads in Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa targeting specific Republican candidates.

This strategy originated in the spring when Democrats pushed war powers resolutions aimed at ending the conflict. Although these resolutions had little practical effect, they forced lawmakers to publicly take a stance on the war.

The Associated Press analyzed data from AdImpact on broadcast and cable ads aired between September 1 and October 14 in competitive midterm races. Some Republicans targeted in the ads had not served in Congress and thus could not have voted on these resolutions, but Democrats portray them as aligned with President Trump on the war.

The focus on Iran war votes is part of a broader campaign effort by Democrats to influence key Senate and House races ahead of the midterm elections, according to the Cook Political Report and the Associated Press analysis.