Poll finds Americans less likely to back pro-war candidates by 3-1 margin

What the report says

A YouGov poll released on Monday, on the eve of the 2026 US midterm elections, found that Americans were much more likely to be turned off than attracted by candidates who backed the US-Israel war on Iran. According to the survey, 44 percent of respondents said they were less likely to support such candidates, while 13 percent said they were more likely to back them. Another 26 percent said the war would not affect their vote.

The poll also suggested that voters were focused on the economic fallout of the conflict. A majority said the US should prioritize avoiding higher prices at home over pursuing President Donald Trump’s military goals in Iran. On the question of who should decide when the war ends, more respondents chose Congress over the president, reflecting concerns about Trump bypassing congressional authorization for the conflict.

Al Jazeera reported that the survey was conducted for the Institute for Global Affairs at the Eurasia Group. Jonathan Guyer of that organization said the results point to public pressure for Congress to play a stronger role in checking presidential war powers. The article places the findings in the broader context of a contentious debate in US politics over foreign intervention and support for Israel.

The report also connects the poll to the midterm results, which saw Democrats gain ground and reopen debate within both parties over the war. Al Jazeera noted that some Republican and Democratic figures are now arguing that opposition to the Iran war could shape future campaigns, including the 2028 presidential race.