Affordability Could Decide the Midterms. These States Have Most at Stake
Summary
The article says rising household costs could shape the U.S. midterms, as fuel and housing costs remain high and many households struggle to cover basic expenses. It highlights differences among states in electricity bills and gas prices, while reporting that fuel costs have risen faster than earnings since January 2025.Key Facts
- The national average gas price was $4.28 per gallon, up from $3.05 a year earlier, according to AAA.
- The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.32 percent, compared with 6.19 percent a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.
- The Urban Institute reported that 49 percent of people in U.S. families could not cover the expenses needed to live securely in their communities.
- Residential electricity bills outpaced earnings in 31 states between June 2025 and June 2026, according to the Urban Institute.
- The average monthly residential electricity bill was $171 nationwide in June; Hawaii had the highest average at $255, and Montana the lowest at $103.
- Since January 2025, gas prices rose 33 percent, or an average of $1.02 per gallon, while nominal earnings grew 6 percent, according to Urban Institute researchers.
- California had the highest state average gas price at just over $6 per gallon, while North Carolina had the lowest at about $3.48.
- The article links much of the recent fuel-price increase to oil supply disruptions associated with the ongoing war in Iran.
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