The Rev. Adam Hamilton and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall
Photo illustration by Neil Nakahodo – The Kansas City Star
As gas prices soared amid the war with Iran, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall said in July that the cost of gasoline in October would determine the midterm elections.
Now, with the election just days away, gas prices are still higher than usual and the war with Iran continues.
Marshall is facing an unexpectedly close race against Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton, who has called on suspending a federal tax on gasoline to lower prices at the pump.
Both candidates touched on the topic during a televised debate this week, differing on what they believe is causing the higher fuel prices.
Prices at the pump
The American Automobile Association, or AAA, reports that the national average for gasoline sits at $4.27 per gallon this week. While it has fallen slightly from last week, the prices this month are on track to set an all-time high for the month of October. The national average for gasoline last year at this time was $3.06 per gallon.
In Kansas, gas prices are lower than the national average, but still high. AAA shows as of Thursday, gas prices in Kansas were $3.96 for regular unleaded gasoline and $6.06 for diesel. Kansas prices last October were $2.73 per gallon for gasoline and $3.37 per gallon for diesel, showing 45% and 80% increases, respectively.
Suspending the federal gasoline tax would cut about 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel fuel. In Kansas, that would cut the regular unleaded price to roughly $3.78 per gallon and $5.82 per gallon for diesel.
Where do the candidates stand on suspending the tax?
The Rev. Adam Hamilton, left, and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, right, faced off in a live TV debate hosted by FOX 4 less than two weeks before Election Day. Screenshot Adam Hamilton, Democratic challenger
Hamilton — who describes himself as an independently-minded, moderate Democrat — called for suspending the federal gasoline tax until the end of the war with Iran.
“This is really a short-term solution,” Hamilton said during the debate. “It saves thirty cents a gallon for farmers who are paying six dollars and forty cents a gallon for diesel fuel.”
Hamilton’s campaign noted several Republican leaders have called for suspending the tax as well, including President Donald Trump and Missouri’s U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley.
Roger Marshall, Republican incumbent
Marshall said during the debate that he does not oppose temporarily cutting the federal gasoline tax, but specifically mentioned it for diesel fuel. He said it would only be a stopgap. He also argued that diesel fuel prices have risen because of a different war —- between Russia and Ukraine.
“You know when this war’s over with, that these diesel prices are going to come down along with the gasoline prices — as long as Republicans have control,” Marshall said.
As part of the war, Ukraine has attacked several Russian oil refineries and fuel depots, slashing Russia’s diesel exports by 75%, according to CNBC.
More context on gas prices
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s campaign argues the Iran conflict is the main concern that’s driving a surge in gasoline prices. He said if he’s elected he would work to end the conflict as quickly as possible.
“The best way to lower gas prices would be to end the Iran war that Roger Marshall voted to support 14 times,” said Tyson Brody, a spokesperson for Hamilton’s campaign, referring to Marshall voting against a resolution to end the war.
“Until the war ends, Adam supports bipartisan proposals to suspend the federal gas and diesel tax which have repeatedly proven to lower prices for consumers at the pump. Roger Marshall just says we need to tighten our belts.”
AAA also reports that the gasoline prices remain high amid instability in the Strait of Hormuz, an important Persian Gulf sea-passage for crude oil that’s been the subject of blockades during the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Gasoline prices surged this year amid the U.S. war with Iran. File photo
Marshall earlier this year argued that rising gasoline prices stemming from the Iran war were worth it to ensure national security. He echoed that sentiment during the debate.
“I want this war to be over as soon as possible, but we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Marshall said. “This is why we can’t have a weak Adam Hamilton with the weak Democrat policy, who only gives us war through weakness as opposed to peace through strength,” he added.
Additionally, Marshall has correctly noted that gas prices were higher during former President Joe Biden’s administration, peaking above $5 nationally. However, AAA data shows gas prices nationwide are higher this month than they’ve ever been for October.
This story was originally published October 22, 2026 at 1:30 PM.
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