Mike Collins Requested Campaign Donations for Fuel Costs

The congressional candidate sought funds to cover travel expenses amid record-high diesel prices across Georgia.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Oil and Gas

Bold flat-color illustration of a stylized fuel nozzle and tank cap, representing high logistical costs in economic policy. — Congressional candidate Mike Collins launched a fundraising appeal to offset travel costs in Georgia, citing record-high diesel prices impacting his campaign and trucking business. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Congressional candidate Mike Collins has launched a fundraising campaign to offset fuel costs while traveling across Georgia. The appeal follows a record spike in local diesel prices, which reached $6.35 per gallon.

Why it matters

The campaign is using the rising costs of fuel to highlight its platform, linking current economic pressures to specific administration policies. Collins, who owns a trucking business, has centered his campaign message on the logistical strain caused by high fuel inflation.

Diesel in Georgia reached a record $6.35 per gallon, while the state average for gasoline currently stands at $4.16. These figures represent a significant increase compared to historical price points like the $3.08 average gasoline price observed at the end of the previous administration's term.

The players

Mike Collins

He is a congressional candidate and the owner of a trucking business.

John Thune

He is the Senate Majority Leader who campaigned with Collins in Georgia.

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States whose policies are supported by Collins.

Susan Collins

She is a U.S. Senator who previously utilized fuel-cost themes for campaign fundraising.

Dan Sullivan

He is a U.S. Senator who previously requested campaign donations linked to fuel costs.

The details

The fundraising website features an image of Mike Collins alongside Donald Trump and utilizes slogans referencing the campaign running on fumes. Collins has also faced questions regarding his legislative record, specifically his six votes against war powers resolutions involving Iran.

Diesel prices in Georgia hit a record $6.35 per gallon during the week of September 18, 2026.
Mike Collins campaigned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Market Landscape

This fundraising strategy reflects an industry-wide trend where candidates leverage specific economic pain points to differentiate their platforms during the 2026 congressional campaign cycle. The move positions Collins against rivals by tying his personal business background directly to national energy policy debates.

Average Georgia residents continue to face elevated fuel costs at the pump, with diesel prices hovering above the $6.30 mark. The candidate's focus on these costs signals that energy affordability will remain a central point of contention for local commuters and business owners.

The takeaway

The use of personal business struggles to solicit political donations highlights how candidates are personalizing broader inflationary pressures. Voters should monitor how these localized energy concerns translate into specific policy proposals during the remainder of the election cycle.