Republican governors like Greg Abbott of Texas, and more recently Florida’s Ron DeSantis, have been making a habit of sending migrants located in their Sun Belt states to northern Democratic-voting cities. While there may be policy reasons for their decisions, there are clear political considerations as well.
Both men, especially DeSantis ahead of a potential 2024 presidential bid, are using one of the most potent issues in Republican circles — immigration — to play to the base of their party in a number of ways. …
Worries about immigration at large are reaching new heights for Republicans. Gallup polling from earlier this year showed that 87% of Republicans were dissatisfied with the level of immigration into the country. That’s higher than any point this century. …
But the GOP governors’ actions aren’t only about immigration. It’s also about making Democrats look bad, especially considering they tend to support far more liberal policies on immigration. CONTINUED
Harry Enten, CNN
The OPINION TODAY email newsletter is a concise daily rundown of significant new poll results and insightful analysis. It’s FREE. Sign up here: opiniontoday.substack