Matt Brown, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Political advertising from Republican candidates highlights concerns about Democratic proposals to defund the police. Campaign events often feature law enforcement unions and emphasize a tough-on-crime stance. Stump speeches reference record low levels of violent crime.
Republicans are focusing on issues of public disorder, illegal immigration, and violent crime in midterm campaigns as voter sentiment shifts regarding their party's management of the cost of living and international conflicts.
Democrats are responding by recruiting candidates with law enforcement backgrounds and promoting their own anti-crime initiatives. However, Republicans view this as a strategic opportunity to gain ground in a challenging election year.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated at a recent event at Louisiana State University, "Do you know that right now we have the lowest violent crime rate in 126 years in America? Because we emphasize the rule of law." He noted that crime rates have generally decreased since the 1990s, with a temporary increase during the COVID pandemic. Johnson also claimed, "We have the most secure border we have had in the past half century."
Former President Donald Trump reiterated similar themes during a rally in Nebraska, reflecting on past border issues and crime rates.
In several states, including Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Texas, and Wisconsin, Republican gubernatorial candidates have criticized their Democratic opponents as being lenient on crime or threatening police funding. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has specifically targeted Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa for her stance on bail legislation for illegal immigrants charged with violent crimes.
Hinojosa has countered by highlighting her experience as a civil rights attorney and criticizing Abbott's policies as infringing on civil liberties.
In Georgia, Rick Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive, has attacked Democratic opponent Keisha Lance Bottoms regarding her time as mayor of Atlanta, stating, "I grew up in the type of neighborhood Keisha Lance Bottoms abandoned. I know who gets hurt when politicians defund the police."
Bottoms responded by emphasizing her administration's efforts to increase police and firefighter salaries and secure federal funding for public safety.
Similar dynamics are evident in U.S. House races. In Virginia's first congressional district, Rep. Rob Wittman has criticized his Democratic opponent, Shannon Taylor, for her purportedly lenient approach to crime. In Michigan's 10th district, Republican Michael Bouchard is campaigning on his military service and familial ties to law enforcement, while attacking former prosecutor Christina Hines for her policies.
In Colorado's eighth district, Rep. Gabe Evans highlights his police experience against Democratic challenger Manny Rutinel. In Wisconsin's third district, Rep. Derrick Van Orden is attempting to unseat Democratic nominee Rebecca Cooke by portraying her as a proponent of defunding the police.
Republicans aim to leverage concerns about crime and disorder to energize their base and attract moderate voters who are increasingly worried about economic issues.
Democrats are also responding with their own strategies. Taylor has aired advertisements featuring endorsements from local sheriffs, while Rutinel has promoted a safety plan that includes increased police funding. Hines has committed to prioritizing public safety and prosecuting corruption, and Cooke has pledged to fully fund police departments in Congress.
The effectiveness of these strategies remains to be seen. Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt remarked, "We've got to talk about it. I think that in many ways, we are the victim of our own success because it's off the headlines a little bit more."
An AP-NORC poll conducted in September indicated that 48% of U.S. adults approved of Trump's handling of border security, a decrease from 55% the previous year.
Some Republicans, however, express skepticism about the focus on crime as a central campaign issue. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who is not seeking reelection, stated, "I don't see that bubbling up as a major issue for the voters."
Critics, including Black political leaders, have labeled some Republican ads as racially charged and reminiscent of past campaigns that appealed to suburban white voters. Trump has been noted for invoking controversial campaign themes, including references to the 1988 "Willie Horton" ad.
In contrast, Tillis pointed out the safety of his own community, saying, "I'm not worried about walking through Charlotte at night."
National Democrats argue that Republicans' crime messaging is undermined by the Trump administration's immigration policies, which they claim have led to violence and corruption. Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego described the current administration as a "criminal organization."
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis stated that "extreme Democrats are trying to deflect from their radical soft on crime agenda."