In a striking turn of events, Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican who has strongly backed Donald Trump's military campaign in Iran, is now pleading with his donors for financial assistance to cover his campaign's fuel expenses. The plea comes as gas prices across the United States, particularly in Alaska, have skyrocketed following the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Gas Price Surge Linked to Iran Conflict
Since February, when Trump intensified operations in Iran, gas prices have climbed dramatically. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world's oil passes, has been intermittently closed due to the conflict, causing supply disruptions. In Alaska, the average price per gallon has reached $5.27, nearly a dollar above the national average of $4.56, according to AAA. Within a month, prices have risen by 62 cents, and compared to a year ago, the increase is $1.64. Diesel is also approaching $6 per gallon statewide.
Sullivan's Fundraising Appeal
Senator Sullivan, who is seeking reelection, sent an email titled 'Alaska Needs You' to potential donors, obtained by Raw Story. In it, he wrote: 'Winning a campaign to make sure Alaska is on the frontlines of our national defense and American energy takes time, money, and resources. To continue ushering in America's Golden Age and delivering results for Alaska, I'm personally reaching out to you to ask for a grassroots donation of $3, $5, or $10.' He explained that the funds would go toward gasoline for visiting isolated areas, recruiting volunteers, running digital ads, and producing mail pieces to keep voters informed.
Doubling Down on War Support
Despite the financial strain on Alaskans, Sullivan has reiterated his support for the Iran war. In March testimony before the Armed Services Committee, he told Democratic colleagues to 'wake up,' stating: 'This country's been at war with us for almost a half century, and they've killed thousands and wounded thousands of our best and brightest. It's been a bipartisan goal of every president to make sure the Iranians don't get nukes and don't get ballistic missiles, and that's what the President and our brave troops are undertaking right now.'
Rural Alaska Faces Extreme Costs
The impact is most severe in remote areas. In Bethel, Northwest Alaska, heating fuel has reached $17.50 per gallon, and vendors have warned prices could double due to the conflict. Ingemar Mathiasson, energy manager for the Northwest Arctic Borough, told the Anchorage Daily News: 'We’re looking at, maybe, a survival scenario for rural Alaska. At those prices, I would imagine that people are going to try to move into Anchorage. I don’t know if you can heat your house at over $20 a gallon.' Bethel City Manager Lori Strickler is preparing for a 30 percent increase in fuel prices over the next year, noting that fuel deliveries are often limited to once annually. A typical family requires 1,200 gallons, potentially costing $10,000, according to Gwen Holdmann of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power.
Peace Talks Uncertain
President Trump stated on Thursday that the US is in the 'final stages' of peace negotiations with Iran but warned that things could turn 'nasty' if a deal is not reached. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, he said: 'We'll either have a deal or we're going to do some things that are a little bit nasty but hopefully that won't happen.' He added that the conflict could end 'very quickly' if the right answers are obtained, but emphasized the need for 'a complete 100 percent good answers.'
Sullivan's appeal for small donations underscores the paradox of supporting a war that drives up costs for his own constituents, while he continues to advocate for the military campaign.
