California’s gas prices, the highest in the nation, have long been a thorn in the side of Democratic candidates, but the recent escalation in Iran has offered them a rare chance to reverse the narrative, NPR Politics reports.

For years, California voters have faced gasoline costs that consistently outpace the national average, and Democratic candidates have frequently been criticized for failing to curb the burden on consumers. The war in Iran has intensified global oil market volatility, prompting analysts to link the conflict to rising fuel prices worldwide. This new context allows Democratic politicians to shift the conversation from local policy to international events that are beyond state control.

With the war’s impact on oil supply chains becoming a tangible concern for voters, Democrats can frame their campaign messaging around the need for stronger international diplomacy and energy security. By highlighting how foreign conflicts directly affect California’s fuel costs, candidates can argue that their policies are designed to mitigate the effects of global crises rather than blame local politics. This strategic pivot could soften criticism of the state’s high gasoline prices and position the party as responsive to the realities of a globalized economy.

As the primary season approaches, Democratic candidates will likely incorporate this angle into their speeches and policy proposals, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and energy diversification. The shift in narrative may help the party regain ground on an issue that has historically been a liability, potentially reshaping voter perceptions as the election cycle progresses.