One issue is breaking through among even the most loyal Republican supporters: gas prices. Republicans promised to slash gas prices. But the Iran war sent them soaring, up 37% since President Trump took office. Republicans call it temporary. But there are limits what voters accept.
At campaign events with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, gas prices were the most frequent concern. These weren't rooms of undecided voters. They were GOP donors and supporters who had turned out to help Republicans win.
"Four-dollar gas, five-dollar diesel, six-dollar diesel, totally unacceptable, Emmer told supporters a North Carolina fundraiser. But it ain't enough make me vote for communists. Democrats talking affordability. That's the problem. We be sensitive the fact gas diesel are way up. People struggling.
Scalise acknowledged the impact the Iran war gas prices they'd fall once it resolved. But blamed Democratic energy policies making the U.S. vulnerable rising costs.
Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton privately blamed the Iran war and gas prices for his campaign struggles. It's the war, it's gas prices, it's diesel, Paxton told donors a closed-door fundraiser. Affordability our biggest problem.
House GOP conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain told Axios: I don't think gaslighting works. If you meet voters where they're at and you honest conversation them refreshing them.