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Republicans Support Higher Gas Prices.

May 15, 2026

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It’s been over 75 days since Trump began his reckless war with Iran, and every day since then, Americans are paying the price. In every state across the country, gas prices are skyrocketing, and Republicans across the country are doing nothing but putting their full support behind this ill-advised military conflict, prioritizing blind loyalty to Trump over the well-being of the people they represent.

“The Iran war has been burning holes in the pockets of everyday Americans for months now,” said American Bridge 21st Century Vice President Kelsie Taggart. “And Republicans across the country have a responsibility to speak out against policies that hurt their constituents. But instead of doing that, they’re bowing down to Trump and his thoughtlessness, and the American people are, quite literally, paying the price.”

Here’s what Republicans have had to say about Trump’s war in Iran and rising costs: 

ALASKA:  The average gas price in Alaska before the war was $3.59; today, the average cost is $5.26— a $1.67 increase per gallon. High prices at the pump have particularly affected Alaska’s rural communities.

ARKANSAS: The average gas price in Arkansas before the war was $2.59; today the average is $4.07 — a $1.48 increase per gallon.  Not to mention, rising fertilizer costs are leaving Arkansas farmers paying out of pocket.

  • French Hill (AR-02): Claimed Trump was “right” to attack Iran even while admitting the conflict would impact gas prices. Hill then doubled down, saying that Arkansans are “not bearing the terrific brunt of” increased prices as much as others.

 ARIZONA: The average gas price in Arizona before the war was $3.29; today the average is $4.83— a $1.54 increase per gallon.

  • David Schweikert (AZ-01): Voted against a resolution limiting Trump’s unapproved conflict with Iran, saying, “I believe it was the right vote.” 
  • Andy Biggs (AZ-05):  Voted against a resolution limiting Trump’s unapproved conflict with Iran, claiming that Trump’s actions were “targeted” and fell within the President’s Article II powers.  
  • Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06): Supported Trump’s strike against Iran, and voted against a resolution limiting Trump’s power to continue the conflict.
  • Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08): Backed Trump’s efforts in Iran and even proposed having the U.S. military do a leaflet drop of Trump’s Truth Social posts, like his threat that “a whole civilization will die.”

CALIFORNIA: The average gas price in California before the war was $4.64; today the average is $6.14 — a $1.50 increase per gallon.

  • Tom McClintock (CA-05): Downplayed the impact of Trump’s war on gas prices after admitting the conflict would “obviously” increase prices, but said the impact would be “short-lived.”
  • David Valadao (CA-22): Admitted that the War in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are obviously having an impact on gas prices, but continued to support Trump’s efforts and attempted to shift blame to Democrats.

COLORADO: Coloradans are paying an average of $4.64 per gallon of gas. Before Trump’s war in Iran, they were paying $2.89 on average. That’s an increase of $1.75 more a gallon.

FLORIDA: Gas for Floridians costs on average $4.29 per gallon, when before the war, it was $2.91. That’s an increase of $1.38 per gallon.

GEORGIA: Georgians are paying an average of $4.01 per gallon, which is up from $2.78 before the war— a $1.23 increase per gallon.

  • Buddy Carter (GA-01):  Supported Trump’s war in Iran, calling the attack “absolutely necessary” and claiming that the “short-term pain” caused by increased gas prices are just “part of it.”  He falsely claimed in March that the war would be ended “quickly” and insisted prices would drop. Carter said he “hoped” Georgians could stomach higher prices, claiming that prices would go down once the war ends.
  •  Mike Collins (GA-10):  Supported Trump’s efforts to “rid the world of the largest state sponsor of global terror” and referred to American military operations in Iran as “The FAFO Doctrine.” But when confronted about increased gas prices, Collins claimed they were “temporarily high” but that it was an old problem.
  • Derek Dooley (GA-SEN): Expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to handle Iran without dragging us into a larger conflict. While he did clarify that he opposed a prolonged conflict, Dooley has not said anything to indicate that he has rescinded his support of military action in Iran.

IOWA: The average gas price in Iowa is $4.30, a $1.66 increase per gallon from the $2.64 average before the war. Additionally, the Iran war also has Iowa farmers struggling with rising fertilizer costs.

  • Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01): Supported Trump’s efforts against Iran, and complained that Trump’s war conflict was getting unfair coverage and that the Iran conflict “looks like this is a much shorter conflict than anticipated.”
  • Ashley Hinson (IA-02): Claimed that attacking Iran would make the world “a safer place,” and expressed her support for Trump’s “maximum pressure campaign on Iran.” She has also stated that Trump had “inherent constitutional authority” for his military actions. Moreover, she voted against legislation that would have prompted Trump to terminate all military actions in Iran.
  • Zach Nunn (IA-03): Admitted that the Iran war has caused gas prices to spike and that people who are complaining should “grow a stronger spine,” and that gas prices should come down.
  • Randy Feenstra (IA-04): Defended Donald Trump’s agenda and acknowledged Iowans may have to ‘pay a little higher gas price temporarily’ as families across the state continue struggling with rising costs and affordability pressures.

LOUISIANA: Louisiana gas prices are up to $4.00 on average, up from $2.56 just last year— a $1.44 increase per gallon.

  • Mike Johnson (LA-04): Claimed Trump’s war in Iran would “resolve soon,” and two months ago, he claimed that the gas price increases were a “temporary blip” and that the conflict was almost over and was “remarkably successful.”

MARYLAND: Gas prices in Maryland have gone up to $4.47 per gallon on average, up from $2.95 before the war— a $1.52 increase per gallon.

MICHIGAN: Michigan gas prices reached a three-year high amid Trump’s war with Iran and are now averaging $4.89 per gallon, a $1.89 increase per gallon from $3.00 before the war.

MINNESOTA: Gas prices in Minnesota increased $1.62 a gallon from an average of $2.79 per gallon at the start of the war to $4.41. The war has caused real harm to Minnesota’s trucking industry, negatively impacting key supply chains throughout the state.

  • Brad Finstad (MN-01): Put his support behind Trump’s war with Iran and has voted against any congressional checks.
  • Pete Stauber (MN-08): Claimed that Trump’s strategy in Iran is “working.”
  •  Michele Tafoya (MN-SEN): Applauded Trump for sending American servicemen and women into harm’s way. When confronted with the issue of rising prices, Tafoya told Minnesotans to “take one less trip to Starbucks” to pay for Trump’s war effort. Additionally, when discussing Trump’s threat to end Iranian civilization, Tafoya said she was “kind of curious to see how far they would have gone.”

MISSISSIPPI: Mississippians are paying an average of $4.00 for a gallon of gas, up $1.47 per gallon from $2.53 before the war.

  • Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS-SEN): Expressed her full support for the Iran war when it began. Moreover, she voted against the most recent war powers resolution that would have placed congressional checks on the military conflict.

MONTANA: Gas prices in Montana are currently averaging $4.56 per gallon, a $1.77 increase per gallon from $2.79 before the war began.

NEBRASKA: Gas in Nebraska costs an average of $4.15 per gallon—up $1.40 per gallon from the pre-war $2.75 average.

 NEW HAMPSHIRE: Granite Staters are paying $4.48 per gallon for gas today, $1.62 more than the $2.86 price before the Iran war.

NEW JERSEY: The average gas price per gallon in New Jersey is $4.51. That’s $1.59 more per gallon than the $2.92 it was before Trump’s war.

  •  Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02): Called Trump’s conflict with Iran “necessary,” and continued to support the conflict even after admitting that New Jersey families are concerned about rising gas prices and the conflict.
  • Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07): Put his support behind Trump’s attack on Iran, but hasn’t weighed in at all on increased gas prices impacting his constituents.

NEW YORK: New Yorkers are paying an average of $4.60 per gallon to fill their tank today, but pre-war, they paid $3.00 on average. That’s a $1.60 increase per gallon.

  • Mike Lawler (NY-17): Admitted that he and the administration are “well aware” that the conflict with Iran would wreak global havoc on gas prices and were prepared. As gas prices skyrocketed, Lawler said that higher gas prices were “absolutely worth it” to eliminate “the threat from Iran.

NEVADA: Nevadans are paying an average of $5.23 per gallon to fill their tank today, but pre-war, they paid $3.71 on average. That’s a $1.52 increase per gallon.

  • David Flippo (NV-02): Admitted that Trump’s war is impacting gas prices but said that it’s “limited” and would be back to normal prices “very soon.”

 NORTH CAROLINA: Gas in North Carolina is $4.21 per gallon on average, a $1.45 increase from the pre-war price of $2.76.

  • Greg Murphy (NC-03): Supported Trump’s war with Iran, calling it “overdue.” Murphy said he understands the “hardship on people as far as purchasing gas,” but reiterated his support for the conflict.
  • Virginia Foxx (NC-05): Admitted that “the price of everything goes up when gas is up,” but said she is “hoping and praying” that the war is almost over. That was almost 2 months ago.
  • Addison McDowell (NC-06): Claimed that Trump had “no choice” but to attack Iran, without providing any clear evidence to prove an imminent threat. And even as the war entered its second month, McDowell said Americans should trust Trump and “let him do his thing.”
  • Mark Harris (NC-08): Claimed that Trump’s war in Iran is just causing a “temporary blip” in price hikes on gas and fertilizer.
  • Richard Hudson (NC-09): Said that anyone speaking out against Trump’s war in Iran has “Trump derangement syndrome” and that it was “the right thing to do.” Hudson claimed the gas price increases were “small” and that voters would understand. Hudson also promised, without evidence, that this conflict would actually lead to lower prices in the long-term.
  • Chuck Edwards (NC-11): Said he’ll support Trump’s war in Iran “until the mission is done,” saying that he had “no reason to believe that this is going to be an elongated war.”
  • Tim Moore (NC-14): Claimed that North Carolinians are “willing to endure some” “short-term pain” for Trump’s war in Iran.
  • Michael Whatley (NC-SEN): Has time and again voiced his support for the Iran war. He also falsely claimed that Americans share his support for the military conflict. Even as North Carolina farmers are struggling, Whatley doubled down, saying he “fully supports” the war in Iran and that gas prices would eventually go down.

OHIO: The average gas price in Ohio is $4.59 per gallon, up $1.79 from $2.80 before the war. This surge in gas prices is unlike anything Ohio has seen in years, and it is panicking Ohio farmers.

  •  Jon Husted (OH-SEN): Praised the Iran war, claiming the military campaign was going “much better than anyone thought it would.” He also voted against multiple war powers resolutions that would have limited the war in Iran. Husted said he “wants [Trump] to be right” that the spike in gas prices will be short-term.  
  • Max Miller (OH-07): Supported Trump’s strike on Iran and called the war “prudent.” Miller admitted “that times are tough” because of higher gas prices, but said he has “all the faith, trust, and confidence in President Trump and Secretary Rubio at the helm of this thing.”
  • Mike Turner (OH-10): Defended Trump’s war in Iran, claiming “no conflict ever polls well,” and that “no one is willing to trade lower gas prices” for a “Iran becoming a nuclear state.”

 PENNSYLVANIA: Gas in Pennsylvania today is $4.64 on average, up $1.53 a gallon from the pre-war price of $3.11 a gallon.

  • Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01): Skirted questions about gas prices rising and how it affects his constituents.
  •  Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07): Supports Trump’s conflict with Iran and opposes limiting Trump’s authority, even telling tele-townhall attendees that he would vote no on a war powers resolution. As gas prices increased, he refused to answer questions about how much people are paying for gas in his district.
  • Scott Perry (PA-10): Supported Trump’s conflict with Iran, claiming that higher gas prices were “the price of freedom” and that it wouldn’t “last forever.”

TENNESSEE: Gas in Tennessee is $4.12 per gallon on average, up from $2.56 last year— an increase of $1.56 per gallon. 

  • Andy Ogles (TN-05): Admitted that Trump’s conflict in Iran caused instability, leading to higher gas prices, and joked that he’s “feeling it too.”

TEXAS: Texans are currently paying an average of $3.99 per gallon of gas, a notable $1.39 increase per gallon from an average price of $2.60 before the war.

  •  John Cornyn (TX-SEN): Claimed he was “proud” to support Trump’s military strikes, calling the war a “battle between right and wrong, good and evil.” Cornyn even went on to say that constituents’ pain at the pump is a “small price to pay.”
  • Monica De La Cruz (TX-15): The day before Trump started a war with Iran, she bragged about low gas prices, falsely claiming it lowers the costs of all goods like groceries.
  • Beth Van Duyne (TX-24): Said that Texans are fine dealing with “short-term pain” because “at least it’s for a purpose.”

VIRGINIA: Gas throughout the commonwealth is $4.32 on average, up from $1.50 per gallon from pre-war pricing of $2.82.

 WISCONSIN: The average gas price in Wisconsin is $4.57, a $1.89 increase from before Trump’s war, when it was $2.68 a gallon.

  •  Tom Tiffany (WI-07): Supported Trump’s war with Iran, but admitted that as gas prices have gone up, his polling has had a “a bit of a slump.” When confronted about higher gas prices and people’s frustrations with Trump, he dodged blaming Trump directly and said that you’d have to ask “the man on the street” why they’re upset with Trump. Tiffany also recently claimed that “affordability” was just a “buzzword,” ignoring concerns about rising gas prices.
  •  Bryan Steil (WI-01): Downplayed the gas price issue, calling it a “temporary aspect” as a result of Trump’s war in Iran.
  • Derrick Van Orden (WI-03): Claimed it was “about time” the U.S. entered into conflict with Iran, even claiming that the Trump administration was “ahead of schedule. He attempted to divert blame on higher gas prices by saying “less than 5% of the United States imported oil goes through the Straits of Hormuz.” Instead of looking for solutions, Van Orden is spending his time trolling people on Twitter.
  • Glenn Grothman (WI-06): Said that Americans would be “absolutely” willing to live with these higher gas prices “for months.” When confronted on whether anyone in his party would break with the president, he said: “I would certainly hope not.”
  • Tony Wied (WI-08): Said “there’s no question that there is pain,” but he hoped that it would be “short-term.”

Published: May 15, 2026

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