As the 2022 midterm elections approach, Republican governors are increasingly using crime and border security as key issues in their campaigns, positioning themselves as staunch defenders of law and order. In battleground states like Texas, these issues have become central to the GOP’s strategy to appeal to voters who feel the effects of rising crime rates and insecure borders.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott, seeking re-election, has made border security a cornerstone of his campaign. With the surge of illegal immigration at the southern border continuing to dominate national discourse, Abbott has doubled down on his stance against the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Abbott has positioned himself as the defender of Texas communities, deploying state resources to combat illegal immigration and sending state police to reinforce federal border security efforts. His campaign emphasizes the state’s rights to protect its borders and mitigate the impacts of federal inaction on illegal immigration.
Abbott’s aggressive border security measures have gained significant attention as the crisis at the southern border has worsened under the Biden administration. Abbott’s critics, particularly from the Democratic side, argue that his rhetoric and actions, such as sending migrants to Democratic-controlled cities, are political maneuvers rather than effective solutions. However, Abbott’s approach has resonated with many voters in Texas, particularly those in suburban and rural areas who feel that the federal government has failed to protect them from rising crime related to illegal immigration.
Abbott is also tying his border security efforts to broader issues of public safety. Texas has seen an uptick in violent crime, especially in cities like Houston and Dallas. Republicans argue that the failure to secure the border contributes to the rise in drug trafficking and violent gangs. Abbott’s campaign has positioned him as the only candidate willing to tackle both the causes and effects of the rising crime rates.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey has also made border security a key issue in his campaign. As an ally of Abbott, Ducey has repeatedly highlighted the need for more robust enforcement along the southern border, citing the challenges posed by human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violence that spill over from Mexico. Like Abbott, Ducey has criticized the Biden administration’s handling of immigration and is campaigning on a platform that prioritizes state-level solutions to federal inaction.
Both Abbott and Ducey are facing opposition from Democratic challengers who argue that the focus on border security and crime diverts attention from more pressing state issues, such as healthcare, education, and economic recovery. However, with crime and immigration continuing to be top concerns for voters, especially in swing districts, the GOP’s emphasis on law and order appears to be a successful strategy in rallying conservative voters.
As the midterms approach, Republicans are likely to continue pushing hard on the issues of crime and border security, hoping to solidify their standing in key battleground states. These issues are likely to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of governor’s races across the country, potentially shifting the balance of power in statehouses.
