Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown is facing criticism for his stance on illegal immigration as a new multimillion-dollar ad targeting him was released by One Nation, a group tied to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, promoting the ad purchase as part of a $28.6 million statewide campaign. The ad accuses Brown of supporting Biden and using taxpayer dollars to benefit illegal immigrants, claiming that Ohio families need lower gas and food prices, not aid for illegal immigrants. The ad specifically references Brown’s votes against measures aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from accessing taxpayer-funded benefits.
One Nation’s CEO and President, Steven Law, criticized Brown for backing policies that have allegedly contributed to the current immigration crisis at the Southern border by supporting benefits for illegal immigrants paid for by taxpayers. The organization highlighted Brown’s votes in 2007, 2013, and as recently as 2021, including his support for President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which allocated COVID-19 relief funds that some cities and states used for undocumented residents. Brown’s campaign did not provide a comment on the ad.
Brown’s upcoming election in Ohio against Trump-endorsed Republican candidate Bernie Moreno is considered one of the most competitive in the country, with the Cook Political Report rating it as a “Toss Up.” The ad targeting Brown for his past votes on illegal immigration comes as a national Fox News Poll revealed border security as the top deal-breaking issue among certain demographic groups, including Republicans, White men without college degrees, voters over 65, and rural voters.
With President Biden facing low approval ratings and challenges for re-election, vulnerable Democrats like Brown are expected to distance themselves from the president in order to boost their chances of winning. Political analysts suggest that Brown may need to poll better than Biden in Ohio to secure victory in the upcoming election. By demonstrating independence from the president, Brown may be able to appeal to a wider range of voters and avoid being penalized for backing certain policies or bills supported by the opposition.
As the ad targeting Brown highlights his stance on illegal immigration and the related policy decisions he has made over the years, it underscores the growing significance of border security as a key issue for voters in Ohio and nationwide. With the immigration crisis at the Southern border continuing to draw attention, Brown’s position on this issue could have a significant impact on his electoral prospects in a race that is expected to be closely contested. The ad, part of a larger campaign against Brown, represents the efforts of Republican groups to capitalize on voter concerns and target vulnerable Democrats in competitive elections across the country.
