Susanna Riva The day of the midterm elections in the United States was marked by two phenomena that dominated public discourse: the highest gasoline prices ever recorded and a tight political battle between the parties for control of Congress . Both events fueled debate about the cost of living and the country's political direction.
The national average price of gasoline reached $4,15 per gallon (about 3,8 liters), 35 cents higher than the 2022 average of $3,80. This price spike highlights the pressure on American consumers during a period of heightened economic uncertainty.
Record gasoline price: $4,15 a gallon
The new record was set just as lines of voters were lining up at the polls. Analysts attribute the increase to a combination of factors: the post-pandemic recovery in demand, production restrictions in some exporting countries, and fluctuations in oil prices on international markets. Gas stations, especially along interstate highways, have seen longer lines of customers, concerned about the growing impact on household budgets.
Comparison with the previous year
In 2022, the national average was $3,80 per gallon; the nearly 10% difference represents the sharpest jump in the last five years. Some regions in the Midwest and West Coast saw even more dramatic increases, exceeding $4,30. This scenario suggests that the cost of living will continue to influence voting patterns, especially in low-income areas.
2026 Midterm Elections: The Race for Congress
The midterm elections saw record early voter turnout: more than 58 million voters have already cast their ballots, representing nearly a third of the registered electorate. Michigan counted over 2,4 million early ballots, while states like Texas and Arizona opened polling stations for both traditional and electronic voting to ensure accessibility even amid flooding in parts of Utah.
According to Harvard University's predictive models, Democrats have a 96% chance of winning a majority in the House of Representatives and a 78% chance of winning the Senate. The forecasts are based on 186 seats considered "safe" for Democrats, 36 "likely," and nine "leaning Democratically."
The statements of the protagonists
Republican President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment, declaring that he has kept "more promises than he has made." Elon Musk, using his profile X, urged voters to "vote red." On the other hand, former President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, stating that "healthcare is a human right."
Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Annie Andrews thanked South Carolina voters, describing her campaign as a "tough but necessary fight." Republican Speaker Mike Johnson also declared that "the polls are wrong" and bet on the possibility of an electoral upset.
Prospects for the House and Senate and the role of gambling
Prediction platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, with financial ties to Trump figures, have shown rising odds favoring the Democrats: Kalshi has a 76% chance of winning both the House and Senate, up from 28% in January. These bets reflect growing confidence in favorable Democratic scenarios, though they don't replace traditional polls.
Midterm election day marked a crossroads between economic issues, such as the cost of gasoline , and political ones, with both parties' ambitions to control Congress . The final outcome will influence energy policy, cost-of-living measures , and the legislative landscape for the next two years.