High gas prices across the country have become a major campaign issue as Republicans try to keep control of the House of Representatives next year.
Locally, Republicans are going after Rep. Josh Harder (D–Tracy), blaming him for California’s expensive gas prices.
Driving the news: The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched a nationwide billboard and digital advertising campaign on Tuesday, hitting Democrats over gas prices.
- California’s average gas price rose over $5.25 on Monday, according to the American Automobile Association.
- San Joaquin County, which makes up most of Harder’s 9th Congressional District, has an average gas price of $5.05.
- The national average gas price rose above $3.86 on Monday.
- Harder was first elected to Congress 2018 and most recently beat San Joaquin Supervisor Tom Patti by nearly 10 points to remain in office.
- Next year, though, Harder will be up against popular Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, who was called by The Cook Political Report as a “dream candidate” for Republicans against Harder.
- The billboard and digital ads will appear in close proximity to gas stations throughout the 9th Congressional District.
What they’re saying: “Rising gas prices are a fresh gut punch to millions of Americans already struggling under Bidenomics,” said NRCC Communications Director Jack Pandol. “Every trip to the pump is a reminder that extreme House Democrats put their radical war on American energy ahead of working families’ wallets.”
