Energy prices are closing in on the GOP’s midterm chances

Energy prices are rising throughout the country partially because of the war in the Middle East, and that’s putting Republicans and President Donald Trump on the defensive just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre explains how higher prices are affecting consumers and the broader economy, which states and races could feel the political impact, and whether the Trump administration can bring prices down before the midterm elections. Plus, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved new standards to boost the physical security of grid infrastructure, and EPA paid staffers roughly $200 million to not work last year. Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Yi-Jo Shen is a freelance video producer for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy