In a Friday Politico report, more GOP lawmakers are expressing worry about the U.S. getting more deeply involved in a military conflict with Iran. One Republican House member, speaking anonymously, warned that if President Donald Trump orders a ground invasion, the party could lose between 60 and 70 seats in the upcoming midterms.
Although most GOP lawmakers voted to block the use of the War Powers Act, Politico points out that many are now worried as new information suggests Trump might take military actions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, protect Iran’s nuclear materials, or achieve other strategic objectives.
The anonymous congressman warned that if Trump sends American troops to Iran, the party could lose 60 to 70 seats in the 2026 midterms.
During a Thursday interview with Politico, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) also expressed his concerns.
Crane, a “MAGA-aligned former Navy SEAL who served five wartime deployments,” said, “I’m really, really hopeful this doesn’t turn into a boots-on-the-ground situation… My biggest concern this whole time is that this would turn into another long Middle Eastern war.”
He added, “Though I don’t want to try and take away any of the president’s ability to carry out this operation, I know a lot of our supporters and a lot of members of Congress are very concerned.”
The article also mentioned other GOP lawmakers who share Crane’s concerns.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said, “No U.S. troops on the ground,” and added that if that line is crossed, “we’re in a different phase of the conflict, which requires Congress’s input.”
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), another veteran, also said he has been “very clear” in opposing U.S. ground troops in Iran.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) warned against the U.S. being dragged into “another Forever War.”
Even some Republicans supporting Trump’s overall strategy showed unease about escalating the situation.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said a ground invasion “is not the intention,” and added, “It should not be necessary.”
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