baker beat democrat tim ser van they in the expensive east bay race. her victory means assembly democrats won't have a supermajority to start the legislative session. >>> a lot of people don't know about it, but a new tax could drive up gas prices. >> lawmakers are trying to intervene. 7 on your side's michael finney is here with a consumer update. >> republican lawmakers introduced a bill aiming to eliminate a gas tax set to go in effect this january 1st. the tax rate, a pollution tax paid at the pump. some legislators and critics say the new gas tax could raise the price of gasoline anywhere from 16 to 76 cents per gallon. >> we're all becoming accustomed to the free market working well with respect to the price of oil, natural gas and gasoline. we're seeing some of the lowest prices for gasoline, and yet come january, the state of california is going to ratchet up those costs. this is a direct impact on everyone in california. >> reporter: a recent poll shows near 4ri7 0% of californiaans are aunaware of the gas tax. >>> good news for people who can