Republican candidates across the country are making law‑and‑order the centerpiece of their 2026 midterm messages. From Texas to Wisconsin, GOP hopefuls are pointing to the nation’s lowest violent‑crime rate in more than a century and a border that, according to officials, is the most secure in fifty years.
Trump Administration’s Defense
President Trump reinforced the message at a rally in Nebraska, reminding voters that the United States once faced “a border with people pouring in, crime like nobody’s ever seen.” He added that the administration’s immigration enforcement has dramatically reduced illegal crossings and associated criminal activity.
In a recent AP‑NORC poll, 48% of U.S. adults approved of President Trump’s handling of border security. While that figure is down from 55% a year earlier, it still represents a solid base of support compared with the opposition’s ratings.
Local Candidates Echo the National Theme
House Speaker Mike Johnson told students at Louisiana State University that the United States now enjoys the lowest violent‑crime rate in 126 years, crediting the Republican emphasis on the rule of law. He also highlighted the “most secure border we have had in the past half‑century.”
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has attacked Democratic nominee Rep. Gina Hinojosa for opposing legislation that would require judges to deny bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent offenses. Abbott argues that such measures protect families and uphold community safety.
Georgia’s billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson, a Republican Senate candidate, warned that former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms “abandoned” his neighborhood, suggesting that defunding police harms the very people who need protection.
Bottoms, however, pointed to her record of approving pay raises for police and firefighters and called for increased federal funding for public safety during her mayoral tenure.
House Races Mirror the Crime Narrative
In Virginia’s 1st district, Rep. Rob Wittman has labeled Democratic challenger Shannon Taylor “soft on crime.” Michigan’s 10th district sees Republican Michael Bouchard touting his Bronze Star service and family law‑enforcement background against Democrat Christina Hines, whom he accuses of supporting “woke, soft‑on‑crime, socialist policies.”
Colorado’s 8th district candidate Rep. Gabe Evans is leveraging his former police experience against Democrat Manny Rutinel, while Wisconsin’s Rep. Derrick Van Orden paints Democratic nominee Rebecca Cooke as a communist intent on defunding police.
Democratic Counter‑Messaging
Democratic opponents are not staying silent. Taylor aired a television ad featuring 13 local sheriffs endorsing her campaign. Rutinel released a safety plan that calls for greater police funding and expanded drug‑prevention programs. Cooke pledged to fully fund police departments in Congress.
Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, argued that the nation’s secure border is an “accomplishment” that receives little media attention, suggesting that the success of immigration enforcement should be a point of pride for voters.
Critics and Controversy
Not all Republicans are convinced the crime theme will resonate. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is not seeking re‑election, warned that “I don’t see that bubbling up as a major issue for the voters.” Black political leaders have condemned some GOP ads as racially charged, noting the use of mugshots of men of color and references to the historic “Willie Horton” ad.
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego called the Trump administration “the biggest criminal organization we’ve ever seen,” accusing the president of corruption and self‑dealing. White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis dismissed the criticism as “extreme Democrats” deflecting from their own “radical soft‑on‑crime agenda.”
Looking Ahead
With the midterm elections looming, Republicans hope that a focus on public safety, a strong border, and low violent‑crime statistics will energize their base and attract moderate voters concerned about affordability and community security. Whether the strategy translates into votes remains to be seen, but the party’s unified message underscores a belief that law‑and‑order remains a winning issue for American families.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
