Democrats are changing the narrative on border security, shifting the focus from defensive to offensive in political ads for key races across the country. They are now highlighting an issue that Republicans have traditionally used to attack them. In crucial swing districts that could determine which party controls Congress, Democrats are criticizing the lack of solutions and calling for improvements in public safety at the U.S.-Mexico border.
One example is in California’s 41st Congressional District, where Democrat Will Rollins is challenging incumbent Republican Ken Calvert. Rollins points out in a recent ad that Calvert has been in office for 32 years but has failed to secure the border. The ad emphasizes Rollins’ experience as a prosecutor in the U.S attorney’s office, where he dealt with drug lords, Mexican Mafia members, and violent criminals. It also highlights Calvert’s vote against a bipartisan border security bill that would have added 1,500 more agents at the border.
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is also taking a stand on border security in his Senate campaign ad. The ad features Arizona’s Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway, who speaks about the challenges he faces at the border and praises Gallego for standing with him and advocating for solutions like better technology and more manpower.
Similarly, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from Washington state released an ad promoting her bipartisan efforts to secure the southern border. The ad showcases support from sheriffs in her state and emphasizes her commitment to tackling issues like fentanyl trafficking.
Despite these efforts, the National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson, Ben Petersen, criticized Rollins and Perez for opposing the Secure the Border Act of 2023 and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Petersen argued that their stance on border security reflects weakness on the issue.
Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo sees these ads as a shift in strategy for Democratic candidates, who have traditionally avoided focusing on immigration in their campaigns. He believes that candidates are responding to the conservative media’s emphasis on immigration issues and showing voters that they prioritize border security.
Meanwhile, the Democratic nominee for president, Kamala Harris, is also highlighting her record on border security. Her campaign released an ad emphasizing her efforts to combat drug cartels and human trafficking while serving as a prosecutor and vice president.
On the other hand, former President Trump, the Republican opponent, continues to blame Democrats for the “border nightmare” and depicts migrants as criminals. His rhetoric has been a central theme of his campaign, with a focus on securing the border and cracking down on illegal immigration.
Trujillo notes that Harris’ campaign addressing border security shows that the issue has become important across party lines and not just among Republicans and moderate Democrats in swing districts. Talking about the border in terms of security is a strategic move, as it appeals to a wide range of voters without scapegoating immigrants.
Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates that monthly arrests at the southern border have decreased to the lowest point since September 2020. The Biden administration’s policies, along with increased enforcement efforts by Mexican authorities, have contributed to this decline.
Conclusion:
As the 2022 midterm elections approach, border security remains a key issue for both Democrats and Republicans. While Democrats are now taking a more proactive approach and highlighting their efforts to improve public safety at the border, Republicans continue to emphasize the need for stricter enforcement and secured borders. The differing perspectives on border security reflect the broader debate on immigration policy and national security. As voters evaluate candidates’ positions on this issue, it will be crucial for them to consider the effectiveness of proposed solutions and the impact on border communities.
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