BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Rising gas prices are quickly becoming a political problem as the U.S. heads toward the 2026 midterms.
Prices in the Lehigh Valley have jumped by about a dollar in the past month, topping $4 per gallon.
Some stations were as high as $4.15 Friday morning.
President Donald Trump has blamed the spike on the war in Iran, calling it temporary, but the political fallout may linger.
Muhlenberg College political scientist Chris Borick said leaders historically struggle to convince the public to look past rising fuel costs.
“Yeah, I don't think it's successful at all, because the bar on this particular cell is extremely high, and it predates President Trump,” Borick said on the latest episode of Lehigh Valley Political Pulse.
Political consequences
Gas prices carry unusual weight with voters because they are highly visible and frequently encountered.
“I could tell you today, I'm filling up my gas tank. You ask me how much eggs or milk cost today, and I might give you a ballpark estimate, but I could tell you what I paid for it today,” he said.
That visibility translates into political consequences. Borick described the relationship between gas prices and approval ratings as strong.
“This one's robust. This one's really robust,” he said. “A dollar like we've seen in the last month or so. You don't think people are going to see that, and that's going to play a role in their evaluation of life and thus politics? You're kidding yourself.”
The timing is especially challenging for Republicans.
“About as much as you could possibly sweat. You should sweat on this one if you're a Republican,” Borick said.
While the administration has framed the war as necessary, Borick said most Americans are focused on their finances.
“People look at the cost of living, especially right now. They think about their retirement accounts,” he said.
'You can't just isolate'
He also said the administration has struggled to clearly explain the purpose of the conflict.
“I just don't think it's been particularly resonating with the American public at that point,” Borick said.
Beyond politics, the situation highlights the limits of U.S. energy independence in a global oil market.
“We're part of a global economy,” he said. “You can't just isolate and say, well, we got them. We're OK. That's not how it works.”
To learn more, watch the full episode in the video player above or subscribe to the PBS39 YouTube channel to catch all of our locally produced programs.
Also keep your eyes peeled later this month for PA7 Talks, our limited series reviewing policy with the Lehigh Valley’s Democratic Congressional candidates.
