Ted Cruz calls out Gavin Newsom for blaming high gas prices on Chevron

Sen. Ted Cruz blasted Gov. Gavin Newsom for trying to blame Chevron as the reason gas prices in California are the highest in the nation, saying the real reason is the state’s “stupid energy policies.”

The Republican lawmaker said he was back home in Texas and had just gone to the Chevron gas station to fill up his car following the Memorial Day weekend, paying less than four dollars to fill up.

“Just filled my tank. In Texas, gas is $3.99 a gallon,” the post from the Texas Senator read.

“Hey Gavin—the problem isn’t Chevron, it’s California’s stupid energy policies….”

As of Tuesday, the national average for a gallon of gasoline is $4.491, per AAA. However, that price skyrockets in CA where drivers are paying an average of $6.109 a gallon.

Last week, Newsom ripped into Chevron with a “pro tip” claiming the company’s “branded” blend costs drivers more at the pump compared to “unbranded” gas.

“According to the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight’s analysis presented to the state Assembly, Chevron averaged more than 60 to 80 cents per gallon above unbranded alternatives,” a spokesperson for the governor told The California Post.

It came after clips went viral showing signs at Chevron stations telling drivers that the reason they were paying so much at the pump is because of Democrats that are running the Golden State.

“Sacramento policies did this. Now you pay more,” the signs read at pumps across California, paid for by the oil giant.

”California politicians are choosing foreign oil and fuels over local jobs and lower costs.”

A spokesperson for Chevron told The Post, the company is “trying to educate consumers about how politicians are picking their pockets.”

“These environmental fees, taxes, and regulations might be small individually, but cumulatively they are making the cost of living in California much more expensive. These are policy choices, it doesn’t have to be like this.”

After Newsom’s outburst, the US Oil & Gas Association came over the top by bringing up Newsom’s own driving habits — or lack thereof.

“Pro tip: Don’t take Pro tips from a Politician who hasn’t driven himself anywhere since 2004,” the group wrote in a post on X Thursday.

The association’s president doubled down on the criticism in a statement to The California Post.

“It’s interesting how the politicians who are picked up every morning by a black SUV are experts on gas prices but always fail to recognize the impact their bad decisions actually have on gas prices,” Tim Stewart said.

The group had been referencing Newsom’s taxpayer-funded drivers, who ferry the governor between events across the state and leave him out of touch with everyday commuters.

Last year, it was announced that the governor was being driven in an all-electric Rivian.

Newsom’s office shot back at the remarks in a statement to the Post.

“You want us to comment on a tweet from an account that apparently has been stalking Gavin Newsom since 2004?” it read.

The US Oil & Gas Association, which touts itself as an advocate for the industry since 1917, has frequently gone to war with Newsom over the cost of gas in California and the governor’s green policies that have made it the priciest in America.

In recent years, several major oil refineries in California have closed or begun the process of closing, only increasing gas prices in California.

Lawmakers and experts have warned Newsom’s green agenda now risks sending the price of a gallon above $8 per gallon.

Drivers in the Golden State pay a “California premium” that includes higher-than-average state excise and sales taxes, as well as hefty fees for climate programs unique to the state.

The California Post reached out to Newsom’s office for further comment.