Every time conflict flares in the Middle East, families in the Commonwealth and across the nation feel it within days. Oil markets swing and pump prices climb. That’s especially true in Virginia, where a recent report found that families have paid $573 more for gas since the start of the war with Iran in February.
While Democrats can’t control what happens in the Strait of Hormuz or the president’s chaotic approach to foreign policy, we can champion steps—particularly at the state level—to lower the cost of energy bills. In states like New York and Virginia, leaders in the General Assembly and the governor’s mansion modeled an approach that Democrats everywhere should embrace, focusing intently on lowering the cost of living and making it easier for families to get by. But there’s much more work to do.
It should start with embracing an all-of-the-above energy strategy that pairs natural gas and renewables to reduce monthly utility bills. For far too long, Democrats have treated natural gas and renewables as competitors, not partners. This positioning has hampered our electoral prospects and failed to lower electricity costs.
But if we marry these energy sources together—and take concrete steps to change state-level policies that encourage the union—we can seize tremendous political and economic upsides. Natural gas remains essential to a reliable and affordable grid, especially as demand keeps rising. Renewables provide a long‑term hedge against volatility and are indispensable to building a cleaner energy future.
Together, they give communities something neither can deliver alone: affordability, reliability, and stability. This approach is widely popular. Recent polling around the country shows that strong majorities of voters support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that combines renewables with natural gas when the focus is on affordability and reliability.
Voters care most about lower energy costs and dependable service, and they reward practical leaders who take a pragmatic path instead of an ideological fight over energy sources.This blend of good policy and even better politics can benefit Democrats handsomely in November and beyond. Candidates who can look voters in the eye and say, “I have a plan to lower your bills and keep your power on—and it uses every tool we’ve got,” will meet people’s needs. They’ll also draw a clear contrast with Republicans, who talk a big game about energy dominance, but often implement fragmented policies that increase prices.
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