By Basant El-Faramawy
Democratic candidates in key 2026 battleground races are directly criticizing former President Joe Biden’s border policies, seeking to neutralize a political vulnerability that Republicans have exploited in recent elections.
Texas Senate race
In Texas, Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico has aired ads blaming Biden for failing on border security, while also unveiling his own border plan. Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton in a tight contest.
Kansas Senate race
Democrat Adam Hamilton, challenging Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in a traditionally red state, called immigration under Biden a “disaster” during a recent debate, while also criticizing current enforcement overreach.
Pennsylvania House race
Paige Cognetti, running to unseat Rep. Rob Bresnahan in a competitive Scranton-area district, said the Biden administration “did fail” on the border and emphasized the need for secure borders alongside citizenship pathways.
South Carolina and Iowa
South Carolina Senate candidate Annie Andrews stated “Democrats have failed on the border.” In Iowa, Josh Turek traveled to the Texas border to film an ad touting tougher enforcement and pledged to work with President Trump on the issue.
Texas House race
In Texas’ 35th Congressional District, Democrat Johnny Garcia blamed Biden’s policies for border failures, citing a 2022 smuggling tragedy that killed 53 migrants, while also criticizing Trump’s ICE raids as economically harmful.
Strategic shift
Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said distancing from Biden is “very smart” and that the party’s best messaging combines border control with a humanitarian immigration process. The shift reflects recognition that border security remains a Republican strength, even as Trump’s approval on the issue has dipped.
