Gas costs spike 37 percent in one year

Gas is up 37 percent, home heating oil up 52 percent, and diesel up 69 percent since last year. The Iran war is keeping prices elevated with no relief in sight.

“Right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward.”

Trump claims prices will drop after election

Trump told reporters oil prices will fall right after the midterms, but even if true, the timing comes too late to help Republicans.

Inflation is almost entirely energy-driven

Non-energy inflation sits at just 2 percent. The oil shock from Trump's Iran war is the only reason the U.S. has meaningful inflation at all.

Rural voters hit hardest by gas prices

Rural and exurban voters drive 26 percent more miles than urban voters. These Republican strongholds are exactly where Democrats need to flip seats to win the Senate.

Voters blame the president for gas prices

Research shows voters understand price increases lower real wages and hold the president accountable. Those with longer commutes are especially likely to blame the White House.

Trump's approval drops to 38 percent

Trump's approval rating has declined since taking office and now hovers around 38 percent. Only 25 percent approve of his handling of the cost of living.

Republicans tied to Trump at convention

At a Dallas convention celebrating Trump, vulnerable Senate nominees from North Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan all spoke. Trump asked the crowd to pledge to him as the greatest president ever.

“Pledge to the greatest president in the history of the United States.”

Candidates can't distance from Trump

Republican candidates in competitive races have little room to separate themselves from the president. Trump is making sure voters know his candidates are loyal to him first.