As gas prices rose steadily, the Department of Homeland Security shutdown surpassed 50 days and President Donald Trump threatened significant escalation in the war against Iran, members of Congress by and large remained in their states over the spring recess. But in districts throughout the country, Republicans and Democrats were talking to their constituents differently about the agenda in Washington.
During the two-week district work period, most lawmakers locked in competitive midterm races did not host public town halls, opting instead for smaller business roundtables and constituent events. There, Republicans largely touted the benefits of their sweeping tax bill enacted last summer, while Democrats spotlighted the cost of living, blaming Trump for rising prices and attacking Republicans for backing his policies on the war in Iran and tariffs.
The break from Washington came as the Trump administration predicted that gas prices will continue to climb, amid uncertainty over the U.S.’s war with Iran. Even as the two countries began a rocky two-week ceasefire, the spiking cost of oil continued to impact the price of groceries and other essential items.