Gas prices in Michigan have climbed back near levels that helped shape Republican Tom Barrett’s successful 2024 congressional campaign, creating fresh political pressure ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Barrett previously highlighted high fuel costs as a key issue, posting a video in August 2023 while filling up his tank and pledging to lower prices if elected.
“Gas in Michigan is four bucks a gallon,” Barrett said at the time. “When I’m elected to Congress, we’ll produce our own energy. We’ll get gas under control so that this will be a lot more affordable for families like yours and families like mine.”
Nearly three years later, average prices in the state have again approached that level, briefly exceeding $4 in early April before settling around $3.80 this week. This represents a 27% increase since tensions linked to the Iran war began on February 28.
The rise has intensified scrutiny of Republican lawmakers who previously campaigned against high fuel prices during Joe Biden’s presidency, as Democrats look to flip competitive House districts.
The issue is particularly sensitive for Barrett, who represents a closely contested district and is already facing targeted attacks from his Democratic challenger.
Speaking to Reuters, Barrett acknowledged that rising gasoline prices are affecting households in his district but defended broader energy and national security considerations.
“Gas is an issue that affects people’s livelihoods, the affordability of things… I’m not dismissing any of that,” he said during a campaign stop in Brighton, a city west of Detroit. “But that doesn’t mean gas is going to be the same price on Election Day as it is today.”
However, expectations of price relief remain uncertain. Former President Donald Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have both suggested that fuel prices could remain elevated through Election Day, complicating Republican messaging on affordability.
With control of the House at stake and the Senate also in play, energy costs are once again emerging as a defining political issue heading into November.
