Gas Prices Surge in Midterm Swing Districts Amid Inflation Concerns
Gas prices in the United States have reached their highest levels in years, significantly impacting midterm swing districts. According to a report, inflation has accelerated to 4.2% year-over-year, with the energy index up 23.5%. This has led to millions of voters in competitive House districts, particularly in the West, Mountain West, and Northeast, facing fuel costs well above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 7% increase in gasoline prices in May alone. A cluster of 21 swing districts, from California to the Northeast, now represents the most expensive places to fill up, with prices ranging from $4.70 to over $6.00 per gallon. These districts are affected by high state fuel taxes, limited refining capacity, and supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 
