High Grocery Bills Pose Liability for Democrats as Midterms Approach

WASHINGTON—Stuart Steinfeld used to go to two stores to do his grocery shopping every week. These days, he shops at five markets weekly to optimize the lowest prices for the eggs, yogurt, cranberry juice and other foods that he and his wife like to eat.

“I just don’t like spending 30% more on groceries than I used to. It bugs me,” said Mr. Steinfeld, who retired from the financial industry and lives in Santa Clara, Calif.

Mr. Steinfeld, who said he typically votes for the party not in power—and plans to vote against his Democratic House incumbent this fall—says Democrats’ spending and energy policies contributed to higher prices at the grocery store. His views underscore the political liability Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House face over high food prices heading into November’s midterm elections.

Democrats say the Inflation Reduction Act they passed this month will help lower energy and healthcare costs—but they haven’t made similar promises that it will ease the sticker shock Americans are feeling at the grocery store. President Biden didn’t mention food prices when he ticked off the bill’s benefits at a White House signing ceremony.