Mike Collins, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Georgia, is counting on his supporters to help fuel his campaign—with literal gas money.

The congressman, who aims to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff, has recently taken to his campaign website, exhorting backers with a call to action: “PUT SOME DIESEL IN THE TANK!”

This fundraising plea comes against the backdrop of skyrocketing fuel prices, particularly diesel, which has exceeded $6 per gallon in Georgia. This surge has raised eyebrows, given Collins’ voting record seemingly endorsing policies that contribute to these rising costs.

Despite running a trucking business himself, Collins has not presented a clear strategy to address high fuel prices, which have been an ongoing issue in the state. Instead, he positions himself as a victim of the economic policies put forth by the Biden administration.

At a recent campaign event, Collins laid the blame for the financial crunch squarely on Ossoff and President Biden, declaring, “The reality is we got here because of those Bidenomics.” He argued that inflation—fuel and otherwise—stems from the Democratic leadership’s fiscal strategies.

Collins’ remarks come in the context of a broader narrative among some Republican candidates this election cycle, many of whom are employing fuel-themed fundraising techniques. For instance, Maine Senator Susan Collins also recently appealed for donations to “fuel the tour,” indicating a rising trend among GOP candidates trying to resonate with constituents affected by fuel prices.

The political irony deepens when considering that Collins has voted against multiple resolutions aimed at ending U.S. military involvement in conflicts abroad, which many analysts argue has an indirect connection to domestic fuel costs. Just last week, he opposed such a measure, deflecting questions about his party’s role in current fuel price hikes.

Fuel prices in Georgia have a troubling trajectory; gas has jumped from under $3 per gallon a year ago to around $4.16 today. This shift hits hard for many Georgians, particularly those in sectors reliant on trucking and transportation.

Campaign fundraising strategies like Collins’ demonstrate a growing realization among candidates that cost-of-living issues are front and center for voters. The prices at the pump can serve as a rallying point for those looking to challenge incumbents or motivate political bases.

Collins’ campaign, prominently featuring images of trucks and open roads, underscores his background as a former truck driver. However, critics have noted the disconnect between his rallying cries and substantive policy solutions to mitigate rising fuel costs.

This trend of “fuel fund” requests isn’t confined to Georgia. Other GOP figures, such as Alaska’s Senator Dan Sullivan, have also sought contributions for gas during remote campaign stops, reflecting broader financial pressures many candidates face on the trail.

Political analysts suggest that by making fuel costs a talking point, candidates like Collins might be trying to harness public frustration as a weapon against their Democratic opponents in an increasingly polarized environment.

As election day approaches, the importance of addressing economic concerns—especially those directly affecting voters in their daily lives—will likely be key to garnering support.

For Mike Collins, leveraging his trucking background seems to be a calculated move. However, whether it will resonate sufficiently to convert donations into votes remains to be seen.

As the campaign heats up, it’s clear that fuel prices will not only impact the daily lives of Georgians but may also heavily influence the political landscape of the upcoming elections.

In the increasingly competitive race for the Senate, candidates like Collins must navigate a complex mix of policy critique and grassroots support, hoping their appeals resonate in a state grappling with the realities of inflation and fuel costs.

The coming months will reveal whether Collins’ strategies will hit the mark or simply drive home the challenges of running a campaign in times of monetary strain.