DeSantis comments on gas prices and Trump's war
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The gist
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the Iran war is a "big, big drag" on Republican midterm candidates.
Gas hit a record $4.11 a gallon on Election Day, testing GOP messaging.
Background
Ron DeSantis is Florida's term-limited Republican governor, a former 2024 primary challenger to President Trump who has since repaired their relationship and campaigned for Republicans in the 2026 cycle. He made the comments on "Straight Shooter With Stephen A.", the SiriusXM interview and podcast hosted by sports and political commentator Stephen A. Smith. The remarks landed the night before the midterms, as Trump's war in Iran and rising prices created an opening for Republican dissent.
How it unfolded
- Nov 2, 2026DeSantis appeared on Stephen A. Smith's SiriusXM interview and podcast and called the Iran war a "big, big drag" on Republican midterm candidates.
- Nov 3, 2026Average U.S. gas price reached $4.11 per gallon, a record high for an Election Day, mostly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Nov 3, 2026DeSantis said the Iran war has backfired on Republicans and warned the damage could extend to 2028 if the conflict lasts through Trump's presidency.
Who’s saying what
- DeSantis
- He said gas is higher because of the conflict, that it hurts working-class people, and that Republicans who deny this are "gaslighting" voters.
- DeSantis
- He said Republicans blaming former President Joe Biden for high gas prices are gaslighting voters: "They're trying to blame Biden for it. No, no."
- DeSantis
- He said some GOP voters have "checked out" over new Middle East wars, and that Democrats have "more momentum" while Republican candidates are "running into the wind."
- DeSantis
- He said Republicans should shift stances on artificial intelligence, data centers and Big Tech, arguing the party does best standing for small business.