With the 2026 elections looming, Democratic candidates are publicly criticizing Joe Biden's border policies to regain control.
As the 2026 election cycle gears up, a noticeable shift is occurring among Democratic candidates in key battleground states. Many of them are openly challenging Joe Biden’s approach to border security, aiming to address what they see as a significant political weakness.
Facing the Challenge
In Texas, Democratic Senate contender James Talarico has not held back in his criticism of Biden. During an advertisement, he stated emphatically, “I called out Joe Biden for failing us on the border,” alluding to his own proposals for improving border policy. Talarico finds himself in a tightly contested race against Republican Ken Paxton, making it crucial for him to distance his campaign from Biden’s record.
Critiques Nationwide
Other Democrats across the nation are echoing similar sentiments. In Kansas, where the party faces significant challenges, Adam Hamilton—vying to unseat Republican Senator Roger Marshall—bluntly declared in a recent debate that “immigration at the border under Biden was a disaster.” His remarks illustrate a growing trend among Democrats in traditionally conservative regions, who are coupling their critiques of Biden with calls for enhanced border enforcement.
The political landscape surrounding immigration appears to be shifting, particularly after troubling incidents that involved immigration officers fatally shooting two Americans in 2023. These events are prompting voters to reevaluate their perspectives on immigration, even as Trump’s influence remains felt among Republican voters.
Public Perception and Policy Failures
Biden's administration has seen approval ratings slip as a surge in migrant crossings unfolded during his presidency. This surge stemmed from shifts aimed at welcoming more asylum seekers, a decision that has drastically colored public perception. Many Democrats are starting to realize that framing their approach to immigration could be pivotal in the upcoming elections, especially as Republicans accuse them of supporting “open borders.”
At a debate in Pennsylvania, House candidate Paige Cognetti did not shy away from voicing similar thoughts, asserting that “the Biden administration did fail.” She underscored the importance of securing the borders while advocating for viable pathways to citizenship.
Strategic Messaging from Candidates
In South Carolina, Democratic Senate hopeful Annie Andrews also highlighted the issue, stating candidly, “Democrats have failed on the border.” Political analysts suggest that these candid admissions are part of a broader strategy to reshape the party’s messaging regarding immigration.
According to Democratic pollster Celinda Lake, distancing themselves from Biden’s immigration policies is indeed a wise move: “There’s nobody contesting that interpretation,” she noted regarding Biden’s handling of border issues. Lake elaborated that immigration has proven to be a galvanizing topic, particularly for Republicans, as they attract swing voters with their messaging.
Examples Across the States
Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek exemplified this approach by taking a trip over 800 miles to Laredo, Texas, to shoot an advertisement asserting his dedication to tougher border enforcement. In his ad, Turek spoke of the need for a comprehensive strategy that combines both enforcement and humanitarian considerations, even suggesting a partnership with Trump to enhance border security.
In Texas' newly configured 35th Congressional District, Democrat Johnny Garcia is working against GOP nominee Carlos De La Cruz while also expressing frustrations about Biden’s border policies. At a recent forum, he remarked, “We’ve also gotten to see, unfortunately, how Biden got it wrong on the border,” referencing the tragic deaths from a smuggling incident in 2022. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues while remaining mindful of the societal problems stemming from immigration policies.
