A referendum on Oregon's primary ballot seeking to repeal a Democratic gas tax increase is complicating the affordability message  central to the party's midterm election strategy. The Democratic-controlled Legislature raised the state gas tax and other fees last fall as a way to pay for roads and plug a hole in the state’s transportation budget. Republicans responded with a petition to repeal the increases. That's leading to a referendum that will land before voters just as the Iran war is causing the price of gas to skyrocket around the country. Republicans say the tax increase will further fuel the high cost of living.

Partial results from local elections in England show significant losses for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party and gains for Reform UK. Starmer insists he won't resign after the votes, which are seen as an unofficial referendum on his leadership. Starmer's popularity has plummeted since his election. Starmer said Friday he takes responsibility for the “very tough” results. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, won hundreds of local council seats in traditional Labour areas. The results reflect a fragmentation of British politics, with Labour losing votes to Reform UK and the Green Party. Many analysts doubt Starmer will lead Labour into the next national election.