Republicans representing swing districts are anticipating a challenging midterm election environment, with some lawmakers focusing on local issues and others acknowledging the national political headwinds.
Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York's 17th Congressional District, a seat classified as a "toss-up," stated that midterm elections tend to favor the party out of power due to voter anger. He noted that the Democratic base is "very angry" and that leadership-controlled campaign arms are likely to target him.
Lawler plans to run his race by emphasizing his policy positions, rather than focusing on former President Trump. He aims to contrast himself with his opponent, Cait Conley, by highlighting her support for "open borders" and "sanctuary state policies," and an alleged $4 trillion tax increase. Lawler also outlined GOP legislative priorities, including "permitting reform" to boost domestic energy production, tackling rising healthcare costs, and continuing efforts to lower inflation, which he noted has decreased from a high of 9% under the Biden administration to 3.4%.
Rep. Monica De La Cruz, representing Texas's 15th Congressional District, which she described as the "most Hispanic Republican district in the entire nation," also intends to concentrate on local concerns. She plans to remain "laser-focused on what's important to my community: That's affordability, that is protecting Social Security and Medicare."
De La Cruz faces a particular challenge given the demographics of her district and a notable swing of Latino voters back towards the Democratic Party. A survey of Latino voters in 17 swing House districts found Democrats leading Republicans by a significant margin on the generic congressional ballot. De La Cruz attributed these concerns to affordability and immigration. She stated that her constituents inherited higher prices and border "chaos" from the previous administration. De La Cruz emphasized her work with Republican leadership for enforcement focused on cartels and criminals, rather than "hardworking individuals navigating the immigration process."
Her opponent, Tejano music star Bobby Pulido, has faced scrutiny on the campaign trail, which De La Cruz contrasted with her own "record of results."
Ultimately, the note suggests that each election contest is unique, a choice between candidates rather than solely a referendum on former President Trump. Republicans who approach their races with this perspective may have a better chance of retaining their seats.