Opinion

GOP is running 2026 like it’s 2006, repeating George W. Bush’s Iraq War election failure

Despite bright economic spots, the party has yet to offer voters a plan on housing, Social Security or AI safety

By Tom Del Beccaro Fox News

Published September 27, 2026 7:00am EDT

Comments Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Print Email Add Fox News on Google

close

Video

Acting deputy AG details Trump admin’s election security plans, including poll watchers

Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter highlights concerns over election security and the enforcement of federal voting laws on ‘The Ingraham Angle.’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The 2026 midterm election is bearing down on Republicans. How it will turn out will be determined, in part, by whom history says controlled the narrative. Sadly, Republicans are losing that battle just as they did in 2006 when the Iraq War became the decisive issue.

After the 2004 presidential election, Republicans had a House majority of 232 seats to 202 seats held by the Democrats. After the 2006 election, that was reversed, with Democrats holding 233 seats to 202 for Republicans, with Democrats even picking up the one independent seat.

What might be surprising about that loss is that the 2006 economy was growing at 3% and there were 1.8 million new jobs added in 2006.

MIDTERM HISTORY MASSIVELY FAVORS DEMOCRATS. BUT THEY ARE MAKING A BIG MISTAKE

So, how did Republicans lose the House in that dramatic fashion in 2006? Two ways: by not controlling the narrative and failing to offer the voters a plan for the years ahead.

President George W. Bush went from being very popular after 9/11 to being in charge when the GOP lost the 2006 midterms. (Brooks Kraft/CORBIS/ via Getty ImageCorbis via........

© Fox News