Gas prices drop in key Senate states as oil eases

The national average price of a gallon of gas stands at $4.14, up 38 percent since the outbreak of the Iran war in February, according to AAA data. While prices vary significantly across the 16 states with competitive Senate races, all have seen notable increases over the past year due to an oil supply shortage.

Recent declines in oil prices have provided some relief at the pump, with the national average dropping 12 cents over the past week. In Michigan, the state with the largest year-over-year price surge of more than 50 percent, the average price fell by 30 cents in the last seven days.

Petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan noted that seasonal fluctuations and a slowdown in travel demand have contributed to the recent price drop. Despite the relief, gas prices remain well above their levels from a year ago, with Alaska recording the highest average at $4.75 per gallon and North Carolina the lowest at $3.38 among the contested states.

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