Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) on Wednesday pointed to the war in Ukraine as the primary driver of soaring diesel prices, making energy costs a central theme in the final stretch of the midterm campaign.
During a debate against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton, Marshall argued that the conflict has curtailed global diesel production, while also criticizing his opponent's support for climate policies that he said would worsen U.S. dependence on foreign fuel.
“The real problem with the cost of diesel, in particular, is No. 1, is the Ukraine war, and because of that, diesel production has gone down. But beyond that, why are we dependent upon diesel imports?” Marshall said.
He went on to tie Hamilton to the Green New Deal, a sweeping climate proposal backed by many Democrats, and warned that a Hamilton victory would hand Senate control to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “His policies would fit in just right with Chuck Schumer. So, if I would lose this seat, Adam Hamilton would give control of the Senate to Chuck Schumer, who would go back to his Green New Deal,” Marshall added.
The recent spike in diesel prices is not solely attributable to the Ukraine war. Analysts note that the ongoing conflict in Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Meanwhile, Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have further tightened diesel supplies, a dynamic that has been complicated by broader geopolitical tensions.
According to AAA, the average U.S. price for a gallon of diesel on Thursday morning was about $6.31, up sharply from roughly $3.63 a year earlier. That increase has become a potent political issue as Republicans seek to defend their narrow congressional majorities.
The Kansas Senate race is rated a “toss-up” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, a notable assessment given that the state has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since the 1930s. The contest has drawn national attention, with both parties pouring resources into the state.
Beyond energy, Republicans are grappling with President Trump's lagging approval ratings and broader concerns about the cost of living, which have weighed on the party's prospects in the midterms. Some strategists have pointed to Trump's handling of Ukraine as a factor that has not helped the GOP's standing.
The Hill has reached out to Hamilton's campaign and Schumer's office for comment.
