US Gasoline Prices Hit Record High on Labor Day... Swing District Voters Swayed

Nationwide Average Hits $4.15 Per Gallon
Soars 30% Year-on-Year
Dissatisfaction Surfaces Among Republican Supporters

Gasoline prices in the United States have surged to a record high for Labor Day, making them a pivotal issue in the upcoming November midterm elections. With energy costs soaring due to the ongoing war with Iran and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump and the Republican Party is mounting, particularly in battleground regions.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) on September 7 (local time), the nationwide average price of regular gasoline in the United States reached $4.15 per gallon that day. This marks the first time that Labor Day gasoline prices have exceeded $4 per gallon and represents a 30% increase compared to the same period last year ($3.20).

As the war with Iran drags on and gasoline prices spike in the U.S., the political impact continues to grow. New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, considered a battleground for the midterm elections, is a prime example. This district features incumbent Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. running against Democratic candidate Rebecca Bennett, and is among the 21 “toss-up” districts identified by the election analysis firm Cook Political Report.

The Financial Times (FT) reported on shifting public sentiment in the 7th District through interviews with local residents. Greg Schmidt, who operates a local gas station, said that gasoline sales on September 4, the start of the Labor Day holiday, dropped significantly compared to usual levels.

At his station, gasoline was selling for $4.59 per gallon. On busy days in the past, he could sell up to 2,200 gallons, but recently, sales are expected to fall short of even 1,500–1,600 gallons.

New Jersey’s 7th District, spanning from the outskirts of New York City to the Pennsylvania border, is a mix of manufacturing facilities, suburban housing developments, and farms. Although it is a relatively affluent area—with a median household income of $133,000 per year—FT reported that the burden of high fuel costs remains unavoidable for residents.

More than three-quarters of local commuters drive to work, with an average commute time of 35 minutes. Roughly 97% of registered vehicles run on gasoline. Maike Rasmussen, Director of the Rider University New Jersey Institute for Public Policy, explained, “Long-distance commuters have no choice but to feel the rise in fuel prices, as they need to fill up at least once a week.”

Local residents pointed to the war with Iran as the reason behind the gasoline price surge. They explained that a sharp decline in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz triggered a rise in international oil prices, which is now reflected at the pump.

In fact, just before the war with Iran at the end of February, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was about $67 per barrel, but as of today has exceeded $92. Brent crude also rose from $72 to the $97 range over the same period.

Bob Whelan, who works in finance and commutes 30 miles one way every day, told FT that he spent $400 on gasoline last month, including summer travel costs. Although he has mostly voted for the Republican Party, this election, he is open to supporting the Democratic candidate. He cited President Trump’s underestimation of Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz as his reason for reconsidering his vote.

Mark Ogilo, a home improvement contractor who previously traded oil and natural gas options on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), said it now costs $120 to fill up his van with diesel. He voted for President Trump in the 2024 presidential election and believes that it will take time for the current administration’s policies to show results.

Thus, the surge in oil prices is not automatically translating into support for the Democratic Party. According to FT, many local residents still do not know the candidates very well, or have not decided whom to support. However, regardless of party affiliation, widespread frustration over energy costs is clearly evident.

In this election, Republican Congressman Kean is advocating for reducing costs by expanding U.S.-made energy production and decreasing reliance on foreign oil. Democratic candidate Bennett is pledging to lower gasoline and grocery prices by ending the war with Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The 7th District is recognized as a battleground. While voters supported President Trump in the 2024 presidential election, they chose Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill in the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.