Local Lawmakers React to War in Iran

Lawmakers from both parties weigh in on the conflict and its impact on the region and civilians.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Local Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Florida have expressed their reactions to the ongoing war in Iran. Democratic State Rep. Anna Eskamani, who has family in Iran, says she is concerned about the loss of innocent civilian lives and the potential for prolonged conflict. Republican Congressman Mike Haridopolis believes the military action was necessary to weaken the Iranian regime, though he does not support sending US troops. Both lawmakers hope the safety of US service members remains a top priority.

Why it matters

The war in Iran is a major geopolitical event with significant implications for the Middle East and US foreign policy. Local lawmakers' perspectives provide insight into how the conflict is being viewed and debated at the community level.

The details

Rep. Eskamani, a Democrat, expressed mixed feelings about the death of Iran's supreme leader, saying she is "happy" about it but must balance that with her duty as an elected official. She voiced concerns about the US history of "prolonged wars" and the potential for "de-civilization of entire regions" and civilian casualties. Republican Congressman Haridopolis believes the military action was "necessary" to destroy Iran's ability to "wreak havoc in the region" and weaken the regime so the Iranian people can "take their country back." Both lawmakers hope the safety of US service members remains a priority.

  • The war in Iran is an ongoing conflict that began in early 2026.

The players

Anna Eskamani

Democratic State Representative from Florida who has family in Iran.

Mike Haridopolis

Republican Congressman from Florida.

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What they’re saying

“The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is one that is celebrated by many, including myself. This is a brutal dictatorship. I have a lot of concern when it comes to the U.S. history of prolonged wars, de-civilization of entire regions, innocent civilians losing their lives, and our service members being in harm's way.”

— Anna Eskamani, Democratic State Representative

“Unfortunately, I think the action was necessary. We do not support boots on the ground; this is about destroying the Iranian government's ability to wreak havoc in the region and also weakening them so the people of Iran, who want freedom, can take their country back.”

— Mike Haridopolis, Republican Congressman

What’s next

The timeline for the resolution of the conflict in Iran remains unclear, though Congressman Haridopolis believes the ultimate goal is to bring stability and freedom to the region.

The takeaway

The war in Iran has become a polarizing issue, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concerns about civilian casualties and the potential for prolonged conflict, while also believing military action was necessary to weaken the Iranian regime. The safety of US service members is a top priority for both representatives.