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Senate Candidate's Starbucks Tip Sparks Backlash Amid Rising Gas Prices

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Michele Tafoya, a Republican Senate candidate, told The Todd Starnes Radio Show that Americans should take one less Starbucks trip to cope with rising gas prices amid Iran conflict.
Gas prices surged 30% since the war began, averaging $3.91 per gallon.
Critics on social media called the advice out of touch and compared Tafoya to Marie Antoinette.
Democratic candidate Fred Wellman criticized the suggestion as indicative of a privileged perspective.

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Story summary

Michele Tafoya, a Republican Senate candidate, told The Todd Starnes Radio Show that Americans should take one less Starbucks trip to cope with rising gas prices amid Iran conflict.
Gas prices surged 30% since the war began, averaging $3.91 per gallon.
Critics on social media called the advice out of touch and compared Tafoya to Marie Antoinette.
Democratic candidate Fred Wellman criticized the suggestion as indicative of a privileged perspective.