Despite previously dismissing the crisis and voting against measures to strengthen border security, five vulnerable Democrats have changed their tune as they seek re-election.
Following President Biden's signing of a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel, five Democrats – Jared Golden (ME), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Mary Peltola (AK), Vicente Gonzalez (TX), and Don Davis (NC) – have released a joint statement echoing calls for Congress and the president to address the situation at the southern border.
This turnaround from the five Democrats coincides with tough re-election battles for three of them (Golden, Gluesenkamp, Davis) and concerns about maintaining their seats for the other two (Peltola, Gonzalez). The change in stance also aligns with polls showing border security as a growing concern among voters.
In the past, Gluesenkamp Perez has dismissed the border crisis, stating that "nobody stays awake at night worrying about the southern border." However, she has since criticized Biden's handling of the issue, voting in support of measures to address it.
Gonzalez, too, has made dismissive remarks about the border crisis, but his views have evolved as the situation has worsened. He admitted that his previous assessment was incorrect and now acknowledges the need for action.
Davis has expressed concerns about the border but has stated that he supports measures that do not harm American agriculture.
Despite their previous skepticism, the five Democrats' reversal demonstrates a growing recognition of the border crisis as a political liability. With their re-election prospects potentially at stake, they are now emphasizing their support for border security in an attempt to appease voters.
The Secure the Border Act of 2023, which would have strengthened border security measures, was opposed by the five Democrats. They also voted against two efforts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who has been criticized for his handling of the border crisis.
CBP records show that the first six months of fiscal year 2024 had 1,340,801 total encounters, exceeding the record set in fiscal year 2023. The surge in illegal crossings has put pressure on Biden and his administration to address the crisis, and the five Democrats' تغییر موضع is a reflection of the political stakes involved.
