VARIOUS U.S. SWING STATES — Swing voters in key U.S. states are expressing frustration over rising gas prices ahead of the November 2026 election, with many citing personal financial strain and reconsidering their political loyalties. According to AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline stands at $4.56 per gallon—the highest in four years and up 54 cents from the previous month.

Michelle in Michigan paid $4.96 per gallon at one of the cheapest stations in her area. "It was $4.96 cents per gallon. Wow," she said. Living on a fixed income and having voted for Donald Trump in 2024 after supporting Joe Biden in 2020, Michelle added, "I feel very frustrated and kind of shocked when I think about it."

Theresa, from outside Pittsburgh, filled her tank at $4.69 per gallon, which she described as "cheap gas." She voted for Trump in 2024 but said the rising costs are influencing her outlook on the upcoming election. "I'm just really going to watch and look at these candidates more carefully to see who I feel is going to be more responsive to our needs and to be able to help out the middle class, because right now we are suffering," she said.

Lee in Nevada reported paying $5.50 per gallon—more than prices reported in other regions. "I hear people on the East Coast and the Midwest paying $3 a gallon when I am paying $5.50 for the same gas," Lee said. A former Biden voter who supported Trump in 2024, Lee blamed Biden’s green energy policies for past price spikes but also referenced geopolitical factors, including a conflict involving Iran, as justification for current prices. "I mean, yeah, technically he's the one who started the [Iran] war, so ultimately you could blame him, but this war is needed," Lee said. "It's time we finally take care of Iran, get them handled and if we have to deal with the high gas prices for a couple months, so be it," Lee added.

An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found that 81% of respondents said current gas prices are a strain on household budgets. The same poll indicated that more than 60% of respondents blamed President Trump for the increase in prices. Earlier in May 2026, gas prices spiked in the Midwest due to regional refinery issues and elevated global oil prices.