ISSUE | IRAN WAR, GAS PRICES: One of the most pressing issues at the national level is the Iran war — and how it has caused oil prices to soar.
The war broke out in late February when the United States and Israel attacked military targets and killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other government leaders, according to the Associated Press. The New York Times said the attacks set off the “largest disruption of worldwide energy flows in history.”
According to a report by CNN, oil prices climbed above the $100 per barrel mark last week after further U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf and fighting in Yemen that threatens shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an important “artery of global trade.” Protests have erupted across the globe in response to rising oil prices, CNN reported.
Californians in particular feel the pinch; the state has the highest taxes on gas in the country and consistently has the highest gas prices, too. As of Sept. 29, the average cost of gas in California is $6.38 per gallon, according to AAA. This is close to the state’s all-time high of $6.43 in June 2022.
Here’s what candidates for the Fresno area’s 21st Congressional District have to say about the war and rising gas prices. The two candidates will face off in the Nov. 3 general election.
Incumbent Rep. Jim Costa, Democrat
“I have been clear that I oppose an open-ended war with Iran without a defined objective, an exit strategy, or authorization from Congress. While we cannot allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, Americans deserve to know what our military objectives are, how they will be achieved, and what the plan is to bring our service-members home. Continuing a war of choice, without a clear endgame, is not a sustainable strategy.
The Constitution gives Congress an important responsibility in matters of war and peace, which is why I have supported efforts to reassert Congress’s War Powers authority, with the House voting six times on War Powers resolutions related to the conflict with Iran.
Families in the San Joaquin Valley are feeling the economic consequences of this war at the gas pump and at the grocery store. The war has disrupted global energy markets and put additional pressure on gasoline prices at a time when families are already struggling with the cost of groceries, housing, and utilities. Protecting our national security and keeping Americans safe must remain our priority, but Valley families should not be asked to bear the burden of an open-ended conflict without any clear strategy.”
Kyle Kirkland, Republican challenger and businessman, owner of Club One Casino
“While I believe the conflict in Iran has a valid purpose — keeping Iran non-nuclear and reducing their ability to fund terrorist organizations — I oppose extended overseas military engagements and think our domestic problems deserve my primary attention.
As for the conflict’s impact on gasoline prices, if we produced more oil from reserves here in California and refined the gasoline and diesel fuel we need in-state, local consumers would not be subject to outside, short-term shocks to global oil supplies.”
This story was originally published September 30, 2026 at 10:54 AM.
The Fresno Bee
Melissa Montalvo is The Fresno Bee’s accountability reporter. Prior to this role, she covered Latino communities for The Fresno Bee as the part of the Central Valley News Collaborative. She also reported on labor, economy and poverty through newsroom partnerships between The Fresno Bee, Fresnoland and CalMatters as a Report for America Corps member.