PORTLAND, Ore. - Democrats are banking on voter frustration with skyrocketing living expenses to fuel major midterm victories this year. Yet in Oregon, a measure on the primary ballot is throwing a wrench into that playbook.

Last fall, the Democrat-led Legislature hiked the state gas tax along with various fees to fund road repairs and shore up the transportation budget shortfall. Republicans fired back by gathering signatures for a repeal referendum, timed just as conflict with Iran - ignited by Israel and President Donald Trump - drives U.S. gas prices through the roof.

"It's a terrible moment to jack up gas taxes on everyday people," remarked Jeanine Holly while pumping gas one recent morning in Portland.

This May 19 primary ballot question arrives against a backdrop of oil market chaos from the Iran war. Americans of all stripes are fuming, with national gas prices hitting $4.50 per gallon on Friday and Oregon motorists paying roughly 80 cents extra per gallon on average.

Voters get to voice their stance on this wallet-busting topic while costs stay high for homes, food and more. Across the country, Democrats echo the affordability woes that boosted Trump in 2024, with some candidates floating tax cuts to advance their goals and blunt Republican attacks.

"Hard to picture a worse time for a gas tax hike in today's political climate," observed Chris Koski, a political science and environmental studies professor at Reed College in Portland.

After the Legislature and Democratic governor approved the package - which also raised payroll taxes for transit, vehicle registration and title fees - Republicans swiftly mobilized voters.

The threshold was 78,000 signatures; they collected 250,000 in short order.

"That's an impressive haul," noted Republican strategist Rebecca Tweed.

GOP leaders in Oregon are flipping the affordability script, arguing the tax and fee jumps worsen the cost-of-living crisis.

"Oregonians aren't looking to pay extra - the answer's clear no," said state Sen. Bruce Starr, a GOP leader in the referendum drive. "Everything costs a fortune these days."

The law bumps Oregon's gas tax from 40 cents to 46 cents per gallon, placing it alongside Maryland at eighth highest nationwide when including other state levies and fees, per U.S. Energy Information Administration data.

At a Portland station, Michael Burch lamented that $70 once filled three-quarters of his pickup's tank; now $80 barely covers half.

"Taxes have me fed up," the 76-year-old retiree griped. "Gas prices are hitting the morale - and wallets - of those scraping by."

Hannah Coe, a 30-year-old student, remained undecided on the referendum.

"I'd back it if the cash truly fixes roads like promised," she said. "But it feels like a cash grab from locals too."

Oregon Democrats battled last year for a transportation bill to fund paving, plowing and similar needs, as gas tax receipts dipped with the rise of electric, hybrid and efficient vehicles.

They settled for a slimmer version in a special session convened by Gov. Tina Kotek.

The governor lately conceded the referendum's awkward timing.

"This ballot fight is a hard pitch amid tight family budgets for everyone," she told journalists.

Still, she and fellow Democrats blame Trump's Iran war for the pump price surge, urging Washington to slash the federal 18-cent gas tax for relief.

A few locals buy the Democratic rationale. Kurt Borneman, 68, backs the hike despite his $10-plus fill-up premium.

"Budgets are strained, but roads need work," he said at the station. "I favor smaller government, yet good highways too."

State Rep. Paul Evans, a Democrat, admitted his side fumbled the public narrative on the tax.

Democrats and allies have mounted no formal opposition campaign yet.

"Boil it down to tax or no tax, folks pick no," he explained. "We lost control of the story - it zeroed in on cost, not benefits."