US Midterm Elections: Democrats won Congress. Can they bring gas prices below $4? Here’s what can happen next

A driver buying 15 gallons of gas on November 4 paid about $16 more than a year earlier, based on AAA’s national averages. Democrats will inherit that problem when they take over Congress in January, which is currently a huge deal for the common people. They can push for limits on funding for the Iran war and press the White House to negotiate. But the main question is: Can they set the gas prices below $4? The answer is: No, they cannot set the price at the pump. The biggest potential relief may come from restoring oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, and a change in who runs Congress won’t reopen it on its own.

Will gas prices fall now that Democrats won the US Midterms?

There’s no automatic drop. AAA put the national average at $4.12 a gallon on November 4, up from $3.05 on the same date in 2025, according to a USA Today report. Prices could ease before Democrats take office if the risk to oil shipments falls. They could also stay high after January if the disruption continues.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global oil shipments. When less oil gets through, crude prices can rise. American drivers feel the effects even if their local gas station sells fuel refined from oil produced elsewhere. GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan pointed to the difference a truce or renewed attacks around the strait could make to prices heading into the holidays, as mentioned in the USA Today report.

How can Democrats use Congress to lower gas prices?

The one thing Democrats can build pressure on is to negotiate over war funding. Once the new Congress convenes, Democrats can propose limits on how federal funds are used for military operations in Iran. Their best opening may come when the White House needs Congress to pass a spending bill. Democrats could make funding restrictions part of those talks. Such a deal could put pressure on the administration to change course, though it would not guarantee a truce or cheaper fuel.

Press the White House for a plan to restore shipping. Democratic committee chairs can call hearings and ask officials what it would take to reopen the strait safely. Hearings cannot get tankers moving. They can show whether the administration has a plan and what risks remain. Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego has already called for ending the war and bringing down the cost of gas and groceries.

Can Donald Trump block Democrats’ plan?

Yes. Trump can veto a bill that limits war funding. According to USA Today report, Democrats hold at least 54 Senate seats in the new Congress. If all 100 senators vote, an override would take 67 votes. A bloc of 54 would need 13 more votes, and the House would also need a two-thirds majority to override him.

Trump told Fox Business that gas prices hurt Republicans in the midterms, while defending the war as necessary. Vice President JD Vance blamed the war itself for the loss. Their disagreement matters for drivers: Trump recognizes the pain at the pump, but he has given no timetable for ending the conflict driving it.

FAQs

Can Democrats lower gas prices before taking office?

They can press for action now. Their new congressional majorities take office in January 2027.

Can Congress set the price of gasoline?

Congress can influence federal policy and spending. It does not set retail pump prices.