Lawmakers from both parties told The Independent that rising gas prices are creating real economic pain and political risk as Congress recesses for the midterms. Average pump prices cited by AAA range from about $4.11 in South Carolina to roughly $4.60 in parts of western Pennsylvania, with the national average just over $4.40. Members attribute the spike in part to recent military action in Iran and related disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. Republicans warn the issue could hurt them at the ballot box, while Democrats sharply criticize the administration's response.
Lawmakers Say Rising Gas Prices Could Become A Midterm Liability For Republicans
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-NC) and Rep. Chris Deluzio are among the House members who talked about rising gas prices and pain at the pump with The Independent as Congress headed home for the midterms (Eric Garcia)
Members of Congress from both parties are warning that rising gasoline prices — driven in part by recent military action in the Middle East and disruptions to regional shipping routes — are becoming a political and economic headache as lawmakers head home for the midterm campaigns.
The Independent spoke with several House members this week after Speaker Mike Johnson sent the chamber home early following a brief three-day session.
Pain At The Pump
"It's a lot lately," Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) told The Independent, summarizing the frustration many members hear from voters. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Florida was about $4.30 on Thursday, slightly below the national average of just over $4.40.
Gas prices are displayed at a gas station on September 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Gas prices across the United States continue to rise as the war with Iran has disrupted the global flow of crude oil. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Gas costs are pinching drivers across vehicle types. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who drives a Jeep Wagoneer SUV, told The Independent that a recent fill-up cost "close to $100," underscoring how everyday expenses have risen even for lawmakers.
"The No. 1 issue, everybody knows, is cost of living, and neither party has addressed it," Mace said. "They're lying to the electorate about what they can do."
Across The Aisle
Democratic members described similar strain. Rep. Chris DeLuzio (D-Pa.) said residents in parts of western Pennsylvania are seeing pump averages near $4.60 per gallon, while Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) said her hybrid vehicle's recent fill-up has cost substantially more than earlier this year.
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said higher prices forced him to put a recent fill-up on a credit card, adding that the administration appears out of touch with ordinary voters.
Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Penn.) said it costs abut $4.60 a gallon for gas in his congressional district. (Getty)
Causes And Political Stakes
Lawmakers point to the escalation of hostilities after U.S. military action in Iran in late February, restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz and related fighting — including attacks involving Houthi forces — as factors that have disrupted oil shipments and contributed to price spikes. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) said his last fill-up cost about $69.
President Donald Trump has defended the higher fuel costs as a necessary consequence of recent military action, saying at a campaign event, "It's a very inexpensive price to pay for what we've done." That view drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who said the administration is out of touch with voters feeling the squeeze.
House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the strain in a press briefing, saying, "We're going to acknowledge obviously gas prices are too high right now, diesel prices are too high." AAA reported the national average price for diesel at about $6.40 on Thursday.
What This Means For The Midterms
Republicans worry that sustained high fuel and living costs could become a campaign liability as voters weigh pocketbook issues ahead of the midterms. Several members said they expect the topic to be a recurring complaint on the campaign trail.
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