U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) speaks during Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 21, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
Democratic Candidates Shift Focus on Immigration in Final Weeks of 2024 Campaign
As the 2024 election approaches, Democratic congressional candidates have altered their messaging on immigration, prioritizing border security in an effort to close the gap with voters who traditionally favor Republicans on this issue. This shift reflects broader trends in voter sentiment, which increasingly favors more stringent immigration measures.
Increasing Emphasis on Border Security in Campaign Ads
In recent weeks, Democratic candidates have significantly increased their focus on immigration in campaign advertising. Data from the Wesleyan Media Project, which analyzes political TV ads, indicates that nearly 15% of pro-Democratic messages have addressed immigration or border security in the past seven weeks. This is a sharp rise compared to the 3% share in the final weeks of the 2022 midterm elections.
This change coincides with a broader concern among the electorate regarding immigration policy. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this week revealed that 65% of registered voters believe the United States is on the wrong track concerning immigration. Furthermore, 48% of voters prefer Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s approach to immigration over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ policies, which were favored by only 35%.
Democrats Emphasize Border Security
Democratic candidates have shifted their rhetoric, now focusing on border security rather than pathways to citizenship, which was a central theme in previous campaigns. This pivot comes as Republicans continue to hold Democrats responsible for what they describe as a surge in illegal immigration. In particular, Republicans cite an increase in U.S. southern border crossings, which reached a peak of 250,000 apprehensions in December 2023.
While border crossings have since decreased to approximately 54,000 in September 2024—following the Biden administration’s implementation of tougher asylum restrictions—Republicans argue that Democratic policies remain too lenient. Representative Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York who won a special election earlier this year, emphasized the importance of addressing voter concerns regarding border security. “I will talk to anybody that will listen for the need for us to embrace the issue of securing the border,” Suozzi said, underscoring the importance of engaging with voters on this matter.
Republican Dominance in Immigration Messaging
Despite the increased focus from Democratic candidates, immigration remains a more prominent issue for Republicans. According to the Wesleyan Media Project, immigration accounts for roughly 41% of all Republican advertising for congressional races. This reflects the nationalization of congressional campaigns, with immigration becoming a central issue tied to the political identities of both parties. Mike Franz, co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, noted that while immigration may not be directly relevant to some voters, the topic has resonated due to its strong association with party platforms.
Republicans frequently blame the Biden administration and Democratic lawmakers for relaxing immigration laws, which they argue led to the spike in border crossings. As a result, Democrats have adjusted their messaging to advocate for increased border security measures. These include pledges to hire more border agents, enhance drug screenings, and even support further construction of a border wall. Some Democratic candidates also accuse former President Trump of blocking bipartisan immigration reforms earlier this year.
Democratic Candidates Respond to Republican Criticism
Democrats are not solely playing defense on immigration. After the conservative Congressional Leadership Fund accused several Democratic incumbents of minimizing the issue, some candidates responded with campaign ads directly addressing border security. For example, Democratic Representative Susan Wild of Pennsylvania and Arizona challenger Kirsten Engel both released ads promising to “crack down” on illegal immigration and address the “border crisis.”
In some cases, Democrats have criticized their own party’s handling of the issue. Janelle Stelson, a Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania, released an ad in September highlighting the border crisis and blaming fellow Democrats for denying its severity. Stelson pledged to take a more aggressive stance, including the removal of migrants in the U.S. illegally.
Concerns from Immigration Advocates
The shift in Democratic rhetoric has drawn criticism from immigration advocacy groups. Michelle Serreno, co-director of the Texas-based organization Voces Unidas, expressed concern that Democrats are now echoing Republican talking points from previous years. “The Democrats are now repeating the same talking points that Republicans were saying four years ago,” Serreno said, arguing that Democrats are adopting a fear-based approach that conforms to the Republican narrative.
This growing emphasis on border security represents a significant shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to immigration in the final stretch of the 2024 campaign, as candidates seek to address voter concerns and counter Republican messaging on the issue.
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