Democrats are proactively refining their stance on crime as the 2026 midterm elections approach, aiming to counteract former President Donald Trump's dominant law-and-order messaging. A new internal polling memo, reviewed exclusively by POLITICO, suggests that Democrats see an opportunity to turn one of their traditionally weaker issues into a potential advantage.

The memo, a result of research by Global Strategy Group for Giffords and House Majority Forward, reveals a challenging starting point: while 89 percent of surveyed voters expect Congress to enhance their safety, only 38 percent favor Democrats over Republicans in handling this responsibility. The survey, conducted in key battleground districts, indicates that voters generally prefer Republicans on issues like reducing and preventing crime.

However, there appears to be a silver lining for Democrats. The poll demonstrated significant voter shifts toward Democrats after they were exposed to specific messaging that both acknowledged crime issues and highlighted Democratic initiatives such as tougher gun trafficking laws and enhanced firearm background checks. This strategic communication also criticized GOP reductions in gun-violence prevention funding and their broader attempts to deregulate firearms.

These targeted messages not only reduced the Republican lead in areas like violent crime prevention to a mere point but also provided Democrats a slight edge in perceptions of overall crime reduction and safety enhancement.

Emma Brown, Giffords’ executive director, emphasized the necessity of clear and direct communication: “We do not want people to get shot or carjacked. We want accountability for lawbreakers. It’s crucial we clearly say this.”

Democrats are aware of the urgency to adjust their messaging as Republicans are likely to intensify their attacks, portraying Democrats as lenient on crime. The GOP has already started to leverage this angle in significant midterm races, tagging Democrats as “soft on crime” and anti-law enforcement.

In response, Democrats are highlighting recent decreases in violent crime and promoting their investments in anti-violence initiatives. Despite these efforts, changing public perception remains a formidable challenge, especially after Trump’s 2024 victory, which was partly fueled by his strong crime-fighting image.

Polls continue to show a Republican advantage on crime issues. A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey found that the GOP holds a 20-point lead over Democrats on crime, underscoring the challenge for Democrats as they prepare for the midterms.

Democratic operatives are now focused on showcasing figures like Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Mayors Justin Bibb of Cleveland and Michelle Wu of Boston, who have prioritized public safety while countering Trump’s aggressive policies, such as deploying the National Guard to manage crime in Democratic-led cities.

The party’s internal discussions reflect a broader debate over the most effective crime-related messaging. While some advocate for a "serious about safety" approach, others call for a more traditional "tough on crime" stance, highlighting the ongoing strategic recalibrations as Democrats seek to reclaim trust on this critical issue.