On the campaign trail, Jeffries says Republicans are divorced from reality about midterms
Jeffries argues Democrats remain competitive
Jeffries said the election climate continues to favor Democrats as he campaigned in a closely contested Ohio district. He has visited about 50 cities to support Democratic candidates and could become House speaker if his party regains the majority.
He called House Republicans “divorced from reality,” Jeffries told The Associated Press, referring to Speaker Mike Johnson’s suggestion that the Nov. 3 election could resemble the 2024 Republican sweep. Jeffries said Democrats were making the case for major change and affordability.
Kaptur faces another close contest
The Toledo-area seat is a priority for both parties in a state where congressional races will help determine control of the House. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the chamber’s longest-serving woman, has held office for decades, but Trump carried her district and Republicans are seeking to defeat her.
Republican Derek Merrin is again running against Kaptur, after she beat him two years ago. Kaptur said her work extends beyond elections to improving people’s lives. Kaptur, 80, was hospitalized after a vehicle she was riding in was struck while she was headed to church in August. She said she has recovered. Jeffries called her a leading figure in the Great Lakes region and predicted she would again exceed expectations.
Dispute over Russia sanctions
Jeffries criticized Trump’s decision to waive sanctions on Russia, saying House members from both parties would seek a new sanctions package that the president could not waive. The existing measure, named for Lindsey Graham, was passed to support Ukraine as it fights Russia’s invasion.
Kaptur, founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, condemned Trump’s action. She said he had sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The sanctions were scheduled to take effect Sunday, after Trump signed the bill into law the previous month. Republicans and Democrats in Congress voiced outrage over the waiver. Johnson said colleagues had raised concerns and that the matter needed careful discussion, including consideration of unintended consequences.
Key points
- Jeffries campaigned for Kaptur in a closely contested Ohio district central to House control.
- He said Democrats’ election climate remains steady and criticized Republicans’ expectations for the Nov. 3 vote.
- Trump waived Russia sanctions that were due to take effect Sunday, prompting criticism from both parties.
- Kaptur is seeking reelection against Derek Merrin after defeating him two years ago.