WAR WITH IRAN AND SOARING GAS PRICES SHOW WHY CALIFORNIANS NEED LEADERS FOCUSED ON STABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY

LOS ANGELES, CA — As global conflict involving Iran drives oil prices higher, Californians are once again seeing the cost of gasoline spike; putting pressure on family budgets and exposing the state’s vulnerability to global energy shocks. At the same time, new reporting from the Los Angeles Times highlights how rising gas prices are pushing more interest in electric vehicles even as California still lacks the charging infrastructure and affordability needed for many working families to make the switch.

If current trends continue, California could face increasing gas prices while millions of drivers still can’t realistically transition to electric vehicles. Without faster investment in charging infrastructure, supply stability, and affordability, families could find themselves stuck between high gas prices and an EV market that remains out of reach for too many working people.

“Californians deserve leadership that understands how to solve big problems and bring people together to get results,” said Antonio Villaraigosa. “I’ve spent my career delivering solutions, expanding transit, investing in infrastructure, and creating jobs. As governor, I’ll take an all-of-the-above approach to lowering energy costs, building the infrastructure we need for the future, and making sure the transition to clean energy actually works for working families. We must do everything we can to bring costs down.”

###