Republicans are intensifying their focus on crime-related issues as they head into midterm elections, using strong messaging around law enforcement and public safety to sway voters. Political advertisements are warning of potential Democratic efforts to defund police, while campaign events prominently feature endorsements from law enforcement unions. GOP leaders are quick to highlight what they describe as record low levels of violent crime.
House Speaker Mike Johnson recently addressed an audience at Louisiana State University, proudly stating, “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 credited the party’s emphasis on security for the current state of crime rates, which have generally decreased since the 1990s, despite a brief rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson also claimed, “We have the most secure border we have had in the past half century.”
Former President Donald Trump continued this narrative at a recent rally in Nebraska, reminiscing about crime levels before his administration took office, asserting that the country was plagued by an influx of crime and illegal immigration.
Republicans say Democrats will ‘defund the police’
Across various states—including Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Texas, and Wisconsin—Republican gubernatorial candidates are marking their Democratic opponents as weak on crime. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has criticized Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa for her opposition to a proposed law requiring judges to deny bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent crimes. Hinojosa, in turn, has framed her campaign around her experiences as a civil rights lawyer and challenged Abbott’s policies as infringing on civil liberties.
In Georgia, Rick Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive running for governor, has attacked former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, claiming she “abandoned” crime-laden neighborhoods. Jackson asserted, “I know who gets hurt when politicians defund the police,” while Bottoms highlighted her administration’s efforts to increase police salaries and seek federal funding for public safety.
Crime warnings pervade congressional races
The focus on crime extends to congressional races, with Republican incumbents and challengers targeting their opponents’ records. For example, Rep. Rob Wittman in Virginia has questioned his opponent’s tough-on-crime credentials, while Republican Michael Bouchard in Michigan has positioned himself in opposition to what he terms “woke, soft on crime, socialist policies” espoused by his opponent, Christina Hines. Meanwhile, incumbents like Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado and Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin are highlighting their law enforcement backgrounds to appeal to voters concerned about public safety.
Despite these efforts, not all Republicans believe emphasizing crime will resonate with voters. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina remarked that crime may not be a major concern for residents given improvements in safety in recent years. He pointed out that he feels secure walking in his own community, which contrasts with the party’s messaging.
On the other side, Democrats are responding to these crime-centric strategies. Candidates are airing ads featuring endorsements from local sheriffs and law enforcement officials, emphasizing their commitment to public safety. In a recent poll, while some Republican messages on border security have been well received, there are indications that crime may not be at the forefront of voter concerns.
As the midterm elections approach, both parties continue to refine their messages in hopes of winning over voters who are increasingly focused on affordability and safety. With campaigns underway, the effectiveness of these strategies remains to be seen.
