High gasoline prices are significantly influencing the decisions of swing voters across the United States, impacting their personal finances and political considerations ahead of the midterm elections. As part of NPR's ongoing "Swing Shift" project, a group of voters from key swing states are sharing their perspectives on the economy, with a particular focus on the cost of fuel.
Colleen, a voter from Pennsylvania, expressed her frustration upon seeing gas prices reach $4.37 per gallon. Her immediate concern was not political, but practical: how to manage household expenses to ensure she could afford to fill her car's tank. "Telling my kiddos, 'we have to cut back on some stuff so that we can pay to put gas in the car and get from point A to point B,'" she shared in a voice memo to NPR. Colleen, who has voted for candidates from both parties, including former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 and President Trump in 2020, feels that political leaders are not adequately addressing the impact of high gas prices on ordinary citizens. "I guess their pockets are deeper than mine," she remarked, suggesting a disconnect between the concerns of the public and those in power.
While some voters have seen minor relief as prices have recently dipped, the cost of a gallon of regular unleaded remains substantially higher than it was a year ago. This economic pressure is already altering daily life for many and could have significant political ramifications in the upcoming midterm elections. John, from Philadelphia, is experiencing this firsthand, paying approximately $4.25 per gallon, a sharp increase from just a few months prior. "How am I feeling about it? Not good," he stated. "High gas prices lead to high grocery prices and other prices." John, who tends to vote Republican and supported President Trump in 2024 after previously voting for Democrats in 2020, also noted the broader inflationary effects, citing his wife's $30 pasta entree at a chain restaurant as an example of escalating costs. "It's unbelievably expensive to do anything," he added.
Lee, residing in Nevada, faces even steeper prices, paying $5.50 per gallon compared to the $3.50 seen in the East Coast and Midwest. He attributes these higher costs in western states to Democratic policies. Lee, who voted for former President Joe Biden in 2020 but switched to President Trump in 2024, acknowledged that while Trump might be associated with the war in Iran, he views the conflict as necessary. "It's time we finally take care of Iran, get them handled and if we have to deal with the high gas prices for a couple months, so be it," Lee said. He also pointed out that gas prices were higher during the Biden administration, a period when he felt more anger. He blamed Biden's focus on green energy initiatives for those earlier price hikes.
Recent data from AAA indicates that the national average price for regular gas stands at $4.56 per gallon, a four-year high and a significant increase from the previous month. Jason, a participant from North Carolina, recalled a similar price spike in early May, which he linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite the elevated prices, he expressed less concern given the broader geopolitical context, having paid $3.67 per gallon at the time.
In Michigan, Michelle experienced a jarring $4.96 per gallon for regular unleaded, even at a relatively cheaper station. Living on a fixed income, she expressed shock and frustration, noting that the sentiment was shared by others at the gas station. "I feel very frustrated and kind of shocked when I think about it," she said. For Theresa, near Pittsburgh, the cost was $4.69 for regular gas. She actively uses apps to find discounts and is re-evaluating her voting choices based on candidates' responsiveness to the needs of the middle class. "I'm just really going to watch and look at these candidates more carefully to see who I feel is going to be more responsive to our needs and to be able to help out the middle class, because right now we are suffering," Theresa said. She is also concerned about rising heating oil costs for the upcoming winter.
A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll revealed that 81 percent of respondents find current gas prices to be a significant strain on their household budgets. Gerald, from Georgia, echoed this sentiment, stating, "This gas is kicking my butt." His concern is amplified by the higher cost of diesel fuel for his pickup truck. Despite a history of voting for Democrats, Gerald supported President Trump in 2024 and trusts that the president has a plan to address the situation. "You know it is my prediction that once the mission is complete, prices will be much much lower," Gerald said, referring to the ongoing conflict.
Wally, also from Georgia and a voter who switched from Biden to Trump, observed a slight decrease in gas prices but noted it was too late to alter his Memorial Day weekend plans. He opted to stay home to minimize spending. "I just ended up staying at home, hanging out in the back yard, enjoying some quiet time," Wally said. "No fill ups, no state to state trips, just keeping the spend to as much of a minimum as possible."
These accounts highlight the pervasive impact of high energy costs on consumer behavior and political sentiment. As voters navigate these economic challenges, their decisions at the ballot box may increasingly reflect their experiences at the gas pump. The "Swing Shift" project will continue to monitor these voters' evolving views and how these economic pressures shape their political outlook through the election cycle.
