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2026 Democratic candidates throw Joe Biden under the bus on the border
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Democratic candidates in key 2026 battleground races are openly criticizing Joe Biden’s border security record to address a political vulnerability and signal a new party approach on immigration.
- Candidates like Texas Senate nominee James Talarico and Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton have directly blamed Biden’s border policies for ongoing issues, while also criticizing current enforcement efforts as too harsh.
- This strategy reflects Democrats’ recognition that border security remains a sensitive issue after Biden’s approval ratings declined amid a surge in migrant crossings during his presidency, which Republicans exploited in 2024.
- Pollsters and candidates suggest that successful messaging involves balancing border control with a humanitarian immigration process, aiming to appeal to swing voters wary of both "open borders" and excessive enforcement.
- Some Democrats, including Iowa’s Josh Turek and Texas’ Johnny Garcia, are emphasizing support for stronger border enforcement while also acknowledging past policy failures under Biden to connect with voters in competitive districts.
