A Democratic staffer working on campaigns for two vulnerable Ohio candidates was caught on video expressing support for open borders and criticizing those advocating for border security. The staffer, identified as part of the Ohio Coordinated Campaign to re-elect Sherrod Brown and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, was recorded saying, 'Open the border, I don’t care who comes in here,' and labeling border security advocates as 'racist.'
The staffer's comments highlighted the perceived challenges of discussing immigration in Ohio, suggesting it could be a losing issue for Democrats due to what was described as 'pure racism' among some voters.
The Sykes campaign responded by emphasizing the congresswoman's efforts to increase funding for border security and combat illegal drug trafficking. Brown's campaign spokesperson highlighted the senator's bipartisan work on border security and efforts to address drug-related issues.
Republican challengers criticized Sykes and Brown for their immigration stances, with one calling out the Democratic candidates for allegedly prioritizing open borders over community safety. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesperson accused Sykes of misleading voters about her immigration policies.
The upcoming elections in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and the Senate race between Brown and his GOP challenger, Bernie Moreno, are expected to be closely contested. Polling indicates a tight race, with Republicans eyeing these contests as key opportunities to gain political control.
Despite facing criticism, Sykes and Brown have defended their positions on immigration, with Brown highlighting his record on border security in campaign advertisements. The race between Sykes and her opponent is categorized as 'Lean Democrat,' while the Brown-Moreno contest is considered a 'toss-up,' with recent polling showing a close competition.
