Republicans use inflation as campaign issue as Dems seek to tout Biden’s economic agenda

House Republicans plan to make the rising cost of living a key messaging point as they seek to take back the majority in 2022.

The National Republican Congressional Committee launched several targeted ads this week that tie vulnerable Democrats to inflation and excess spending.

“Inflation is a tax on every single American and is a direct result of Democrats’ reckless spending,” Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, who chairs the NRCC, said in a statement. “We are going to ensure voters know that Democrats are responsible for the higher costs they are paying for just about everything.” 

Republicans’ focus on higher consumer prices comes as Democrats seek to promote the economic achievements of the Biden administration ahead of the midterms. It also comes as the Congressional Budget Office said Thursday that Democrats’ $1.2 trillion infrastructure package would add at least $256 billion to the deficit.

Democrats are concerned about the developments and the impact on 2022 races.

Earlier this week, New York Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, signaled that inflation and the national labor shortage could be a potential roadblock next year. In a closed-door meeting, Mr. Maloney issued a stark warning to moderate Democrats that they would lose the majority if the elections were held today.

“Inflation is potentially the biggest vulnerability for Democrats,” said GOP strategist Doug Heye. “People are seeing increases in practically every facet of their life.”

In a CBS poll conducted between July 14-17, 78% of respondents said groceries and food costs are more expensive, while 80% noted gasoline costs were up, and 54% said electricity costs are higher.

The poll, which surveyed 2,238 adults, had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points.