What Happened?

Diesel prices hit $6.50 per gallon as of last Sunday, according to AAA, and a growing number of Republican candidates are publicly calling for an end to the U.S. war with Iran. Polling shows only one in four Americans now supports the war, with Republican voter support dropping sharply. [](#ngr-25537a15-bae0-45f2-b9a2-4cf93c5f78b9)

The break from party ranks is showing up on the campaign trail, where GOP candidates in competitive states are tying fuel costs directly to the conflict, even in traditionally red parts of the country, according to Time. Several Republican Senate candidates have gone on record calling for a quick end to the fighting.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

At $6.50 a gallon, diesel costs hit rural voters, truckers, and farmers hardest, groups concentrated in swing states that will help decide which party controls Congress. Higher diesel prices ripple through the broader economy, pushing up the cost of goods that travel by truck, which includes most of what Americans buy at the grocery store.

Iowa congressional candidate Ashley Hinson said "Iowans are being squeezed and shouldn't have to foot the bill at the pump or the checkout line for the war in Iran." Her comments reflect a broader pattern: candidates in farm and manufacturing states are hearing directly from constituents about fuel and freight costs tied to the conflict.

Both Sides, Now

Several Republican Senate candidates have called publicly for a quick end to the conflict. Michigan candidate Mike Rogers wrote that "Michigan families can't afford to wait," and Ohio candidate Jon Husted told Politico the war "needs to come to an end as quickly as possible so that we can lower gas prices."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters he believed the administration was working "aggressively" toward a conclusion, while retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said members "are generally reflecting their base" and that those who feel strongly "should say so."

At the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 22, Trump said he faces a choice whether to "annihilate the Islamic Republic" or reach a deal, but also confirmed that U.S. and Iranian officials held what he called a "very good meeting" on the sidelines of the UN. Trump has separately said rising gas prices are "an inexpensive price to pay" for the war.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) addressed the Senate floor Sept. 22, saying "only Trump could try to present himself as a peacemaker and then threaten to 'annihilate' an entire nation." Democrats have largely backed efforts to limit the war through Congress, but have not had enough votes on their own to force the issue.

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