Randy Villegas Calls For Lowering Costs By Suspending Federal Gas Tax

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Contact: press@villegasforcongress.com

Randy Villegas Calls For Lowering Costs By Suspending Federal Gas Tax, Reiterates Support For Oil & Gas Jobs

Bakersfield, CA – Today, as gas prices in California surge over six dollars a gallon and eight dollars a gallon for diesel as a result of Valadao and Trump’s war in Iran, Randy Villegas, Democratic candidate for Congress in California’s 22nd Congressional District, held a press conference outside of a local gas station. 

During the press conference, Randy called for the suspension of the federal gas and diesel tax and an end to the war. He also reiterated his support for the oil and gas jobs and workers who fuel the Valley’s economy. 

On soaring gas prices, Randy Villegas, said: 

“For most people in the Central Valley driving isn't optional. We drive to work, to school, and to the grocery store. In the Valley, where so many people commute just to earn a paycheck, gas isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. 

When gas prices go up, everything gets more expensive. It costs more for farmworkers to get to the fields. More for truck drivers to deliver our food. More for small businesses to keep their doors open. And more for parents who are already stretching every dollar just to put food on the table.”

On the Federal Gas Tax, Randy Villegas, said: 

“I'm calling on Congress to immediately suspend the federal gas and diesel tax to lower costs and give working families some relief at the pump.

That's why I've been clear about my opposition to the war in Iran. This war has already cost American lives and tens of billions of taxpayer dollars, while families here at home are paying the price at the gas pump. David Valadao has repeatedly voted — not once, not twice, but six times – to continue this reckless war of choice.”

On Protecting Oil & Gas Workers, Randy Villegas, said: 

“For generations, oil and gas workers have powered the Central Valley and kept the lights on across California and our country. My father-in-law drives a truck for an oil company so I know firsthand how important these jobs are to families across Kern County. These are good-paying jobs that support families, put kids through college, and help people build a middle-class life.

And I've always been clear: I will not support policies that put our oil and gas workers' livelihoods in jeopardy.”

Additional Background: 

• David Valadao has voted six times to continue the Iran War, casting the deciding vote against ending it twice. This as California gas prices surge over $6.00 a gallon and $8.00 for diesel as a result of the war.

• David Valadao has now voted nine separate times to protect price-spiking tariff policy raising costs and wreaking chaos on Central Valley farmers, families, and businesses. 

• David Valadao has also rubber-stamped the war in Iran and dismissed its impacts, which have driven up costs for fuel, fertilizer, equipment, and transportation.  Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has b