Democrats Turn GOP's Gas Price Promises Against Them in Midterm Races

Rising fuel costs frustrate voters, providing Democrats with a potent line of attack ahead of this year's elections.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:58am

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A photorealistic painting of a lone gas pump standing in the warm, golden light of a city street, its shadows stretching across the pavement, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the emotional weight of rising fuel costs in a politically charged environment.As the cost of living crisis escalates, the political battle over gas prices has become a defining issue in key midterm races.Harrisburg Today

Democrats across the country, including Janelle Stelson running in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, are seizing on the spike in gas prices triggered by the war in Iran to attack Republican incumbents who had previously campaigned on lowering costs. The rising prices have put unique pressure on the GOP, the party in control of Washington, after they won in 2024 by promising to bring prices down.

Why it matters

Republicans won in 2024 by promising to cut the cost of living, but high gas prices are now frustrating voters and providing a potent line of attack for Democrats ahead of this year's midterm elections. The issue of affordability has become a key focus for voters, and Democrats are aiming to turn the tables on Republicans who had previously boasted about gas prices.

The details

Janelle Stelson, a Democrat running to unseat incumbent Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pennsylvania), stood in front of a gas station where prices were over $4 per gallon for regular and over $6 for diesel, highlighting the impact on central Pennsylvania families. Stelson is among Democrats across the country seizing on the spike in gas prices, with the rising cost of filling up a tank adding to their messaging about affordability. Republicans, including Perry, had won over voters in 2024 by promising to bring prices down and criticizing President Biden's energy policies, but the president's decision to attack Iran has disrupted global markets and sent oil prices climbing.

  • In 2024, Stelson came within 5,000 votes of ousting Perry.
  • In his State of the Union earlier this year, Trump bragged about gas prices being 'below $2.30 a gallon in most states'.
  • Weeks later, the average price per gallon has risen to well over $4, and most economists expect gas prices to keep rising if the conflict with Iran continues.

The players

Janelle Stelson

A Democrat running to represent Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, who is seizing on high gas prices to attack the incumbent Republican, Rep. Scott Perry.

Scott Perry

The Republican incumbent in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, who previously campaigned on lowering gas prices but now defends his support for the conflict with Iran.

Donald Trump

The former president who won in 2024 by promising to bring down gas prices, but is now facing criticism from Democrats over the rising costs.

Joe Biden

The current president whose decision to attack Iran has disrupted global markets and sent oil prices climbing, providing Democrats with a new line of attack.

Phillip Fabres

A 64-year-old voter in central Pennsylvania who feels 'screwed' by the rising gas prices, despite voting for Trump in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Gas prices are not just a number on a sign. Cost of living is crushing central Pennsylvania families, and our congressman is just making it worse.”

— Janelle Stelson, Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District

“The way I see it, no one is really concerned about John Q. Public anymore. I did really good in Trump's first term, but now I am screwed again. Most of my life … I've been screwed just like everyone else.”

— Phillip Fabres, Voter

“Look, I don't like the high gas prices. I am not at all immune to high prices and being frustrated by them.”

— Scott Perry, Republican incumbent, Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District

What’s next

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The takeaway

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