Voters weigh Iran war costs and gas prices in midterms
Gasoline is up 45% since February, and the conflict with Iran has lasted nearly eight months, complicating the campaign for congressional control.
By Elena Menon ·
Millions of Americans cast ballots Tuesday to decide the control of Congress, the outcome of 36 gubernatorial races, and dozens of state and local contests. The midterms will determine whether Republicans retain their majorities in both chambers or if Democrats reclaim the House and the Senate. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot.
The cost of living has become the central economic factor in the election. Inflation rose to 3.7% year over year in September, breaking three months of relative stability. Prices increased by 0.6% from August to September. The Labor Statistics Bureau noted that the gasoline index climbed 9.1% in September, accounting for more than half of the monthly increase in the general price index.
Fuel costs have surged since the conflict with Iran began in late February. Crude oil prices jumped from approximately $80 per barrel to over $106. Regular gasoline prices, the standard fuel for most consumers, rose 45% in that period. Diesel, which is essential for agriculture, transportation, and business operations, increased by 70%.
Republican strategists acknowledge in private discussions that the war is hurting the party’s efforts to hold Congress. The conflict has now lasted nearly eight months, despite President Donald Trump’s initial prediction that it would last only weeks. An AP-NORC poll published last week found that voters from both major parties want the next Congress to focus on making life more affordable and ending the war.
In California, the most populous state, voters chose between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton for governor. Becerra, the former state attorney general, pledged to maintain California’s progressive stance against federal policies. Hilton, a former political adviser in the United Kingdom and Fox News host, campaigned as a new face to lead the state after 15 years of Democratic control. The winner will succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited but considering a run for the presidency.
The war’s economic impact extends beyond fuel. Higher energy costs are raising expenses across nearly all sectors. New hostilities in the region have added complexity to the campaign. Democrats, including Senate leader Chuck Schumer, are pushing to recover control of the Senate. Schumer described his party’s chances as "sickly optimistic" after voting in Brooklyn, New York.
Voting occurred in unusual locations as well. NASA astronaut Anil Menon posted a video on X showing how he cast a ballot from the International Space Station. Menon stated that he and two other American crew members completed an electronic ballot and sent it securely to Harris County election officials.
Source: KUAN-LD
