Several Democratic candidates in the midterm elections are airing advertisements that connect their Republican opponents to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. This strategy appears to leverage the Trump administration's hesitance to release Epstein-related documents, which may resonate with voters.
Democrats are primarily focusing on issues such as high prices and healthcare, but some are also attempting to associate Republicans with Epstein as part of a broader narrative that accuses the GOP of protecting corrupt elites.
In Ohio's Senate race, Democrat Sherrod Brown has spent approximately $1.5 million on advertisements criticizing his Republican opponent, Jon Husted, for accepting donations from Leslie Wexner, an Epstein financial client. According to AdImpact, the only ads Brown has aired this year have targeted Husted over this issue.
Husted's campaign stated that they have donated all available funds from Wexner to an anti-human trafficking charity. Husted's team also noted that Brown has previously accepted donations from Wexner's wife.
In Maine, Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee, is incorporating anti-Epstein messaging into his campaign against Republican Senator Susan Collins. Platner's advertisements accuse Collins of compromising voter interests for the benefit of the wealthy, including references to Epstein.
In Georgia, Senator Jon Ossoff has also made references to the Trump administration as part of the 'Epstein class' in his speeches and media appearances.
Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who advocated for the release of Epstein files, expressed satisfaction with the use of anti-Epstein ads, stating that they highlight public discontent with a system perceived as rigged for the wealthy.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Kiersten Pels criticized the Democrats for their approach, accusing them of hypocrisy due to their own past connections to Epstein.
Democrats across various states, including Wisconsin, Tennessee, and New Mexico, have aired ads linking their opponents to Epstein or using him to bolster broader anti-Washington arguments. However, it remains uncertain whether these advertisements will effectively resonate with voters.
Some critics have raised concerns that the term 'Epstein class' may carry antisemitic connotations, although others have defended its use, pointing out that Jewish politicians are also employing the phrase.
Additionally, Democrats are not only targeting Republicans but also fellow Democrats. In New Mexico, negative advertisements linked former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to Epstein, prompting her to counter with ads labeling her opponents' claims as false.