Texas Republicans back Trump over Iran - but some wary of 'a quagmire'

March 3, 2026

While US military strikes on Iran dominate international headlines, Texas voters preparing for Tuesday's primary elections are treating the conflict as a secondary concern, focusing instead on domestic issues like immigration and gun rights. Republican candidates, including state attorney general Ken Paxton who is challenging Senator John Cornyn, have largely offered brief support for Trump's actions before pivoting to other topics. Trump supporters at campaign events express confidence the president will conclude operations quickly, drawing parallels to previous limited strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the Venezuelan operation.

Who is affected

Texas voters participating in Tuesday's Democratic and Republican primary elections
Republican candidates: Ken Paxton (state attorney general running for US Senate), incumbent Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Wesley Hunt, and Aaron Reitz (running for attorney general)
Six American soldiers killed in action
Americans concerned about gas prices and potential economic impacts from rising oil costs
American military personnel deployed in the operations
Iranian regime and potential successor leadership

What action is being taken

US military strikes on Iran are ongoing and stretching into multiple days
Trump has released two videos following Saturday's strikes
Texas voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday to select nominees for November's midterm congressional elections
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and other Trump administration officials are publicly emphasizing that the conflict is not open-ended

Why it matters

This military operation represents a significant departure from Trump's previous limited strikes, as it has already extended multiple days with Trump warning it could last weeks and has resulted in American casualties. The conflict tests Trump's campaign promises to avoid "forever wars" in the Middle East, creating potential political vulnerability if the operation becomes protracted, destabilizes the region, triggers economic consequences through spiking oil prices, or results in attacks against American interests. Public opinion is already divided or opposed according to polling, with only 27-41% supporting the strikes, suggesting the political consequences could be severe if the situation deteriorates or lacks quick resolution.

What's next

Trump has said the strikes could last weeks. The Trump administration hopes the operation will result in regime change in Iran with leaders friendly to America and its interests. Trump has yet to make a formal address to the nation about the conflict. There are warnings from Trump that there may be more American deaths to come.

Read full article from source: BBC