As gas prices surge in California and nationally due to the war in Iran, two Democrats running for California governor are calling for the state to temporarily suspend its fuel tax or ease refinery regulations in an effort to lower costs. Republicans have long supported suspending the gas tax and cutting regulations in order to lower prices at the pump. AdvertisementThe other major Republican in the race, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, supports suspending the gas tax, according to his website. Jerry Brown signed into law, levying the state’s first gas tax increase in 23 years to fix California’s roads and bridges in disrepair. “We’ve got to be honest with Californians about trade-offs so that we can have real conversations.”Mahan pushed back on the importance of collecting gas tax revenue.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 17, 2026 14:36 UTC