Rep. Glenn Grothman warns voters against Democrats over high gas prices
Rep. Glenn Grothman, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin, told Newsmax on October 10, 2026 that voters upset about high gasoline prices should not vote for Democratic candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
Grothman argued that the current shortage of supply, which he said drives higher pump prices, is a direct result of Democratic energy policies enacted during the Biden administration. He criticized Democrats for opposing offshore drilling in Alaska, fracking in North Dakota, and the Keystone XL pipeline, saying those actions have limited domestic production.
He cited the national average price of $4.37 per gallon, noting that California gasoline was selling for $6.40 per gallon while other areas were closer to $4.05. The congressman warned that without expanding domestic energy production and refining capacity, high gas prices could persist for "the next 15 years."
Grothman also linked higher prices to broader inflation, blaming record inflation under President Biden on increased federal spending. He referenced a peak inflation rate of 9.1% in June 2022 and noted that gasoline cost $5.016 per gallon at that time.
In the interview, Grothman urged voters to consider Republican proposals that include building more refineries, increasing oil output from offshore sites, and allowing drilling in Alaska and fracking in North Dakota. He suggested that such measures could bring gasoline prices down to historic lows, even mentioning a target of $2.10 per gallon.
Beyond energy policy, Grothman encouraged Republicans to highlight achievements from President Donald Trump and the GOP‑controlled Congress, such as trade agreements with China, lower prescription drug costs, and tax provisions that benefit working Americans.
The congressman’s comments came ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, a period when gas prices have become a focal point for voter concern.
As the election approaches, Grothman’s warning adds to the broader political debate over how best to address fuel costs and energy security in the United States.
