Rep. Jim Jordan is warning Americans not to buy what he sees as the Democratic Party’s election-year messaging, arguing that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have delivered on major promises while Democrats are attempting to shift attention toward affordability ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The Ohio Republican made the case Sunday while discussing the economy, inflation, border security, taxes and the growing political battle over the direction of the country.
Jordan acknowledged something millions of middle-class Americans already understand: household expenses remain a major concern. Families continue paying close attention to grocery bills, housing costs, utilities, transportation and other everyday expenses.
But Jordan argued that voters should look beyond campaign talking points and compare what Republicans and Democrats have actually supported.
Jordan argued that lawmakers often overcomplicate their responsibilities, saying they should simply follow through on the promises they made while campaigning and deliver what voters elected them to accomplish.
According to Jordan, Republicans have followed through on several of the promises that helped return Trump to the White House and gave the GOP control of Congress.
Jordan said Republicans have followed through on promises to strengthen border security and reduce taxes. He added that while he believes the economy is moving in a positive direction, he recognizes that high everyday costs continue to put financial pressure on working- and middle-class families.
Jim Jordan Says Republicans Must Confront the Affordability Issue
Affordability could become one of the defining issues of the 2026 midterm elections.
For many Americans, particularly retirees and working families living on carefully planned budgets, Washington’s economic statistics matter far less than what happens at the grocery store, gas station and kitchen table.
Voters want to know whether their paychecks and retirement income can keep pace with the cost of food, energy, insurance, housing, medical expenses and other necessities.
Democrats are hoping concerns about the cost of living will help them regain political momentum in November. Jordan’s message to Republicans is that they cannot ignore those concerns.
Instead, he believes the GOP should acknowledge the financial pressure facing Americans while reminding voters about Republican policies on taxes, immigration and the economy.
“We need to remind voters we are working on the affordability issue while we have done what we said we were going to do when they elected us in 2024 — namely, securing the border and making sure their taxes are low,” Jordan said.
That distinction could prove important.
Republicans need voters who may be frustrated by household expenses but still support Trump’s policies on immigration, taxes, crime, energy and other major national issues.
Jordan Targets Democrats Over Immigration and Crime
Jordan also accused Democrats of embracing policies that he considers far outside the political mainstream.
The House Republican specifically highlighted calls to defund police departments, abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and restrict cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials.
“It’s crazy to defund the police, to abolish ICE,” Jordan said.
He also criticized sanctuary jurisdictions, where local policies can limit certain forms of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Jordan criticized sanctuary policies, arguing that it makes little sense for political leaders to discourage local authorities from cooperating with federal officials responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
Immigration and public safety remain potent political issues, particularly for Americans concerned about illegal immigration, border enforcement and crime.
Republicans are likely to continue emphasizing those subjects as November approaches, arguing that Trump’s border policies represent a major difference between the two parties.
Democrats, meanwhile, have their own disagreements over immigration policy, with moderates and progressives often proposing different approaches to enforcement and deportation.
That makes immigration another potentially significant battleground in the midterm elections.
Women’s Sports and Cultural Issues Enter the Debate
Jordan also criticized Democrats over the national debate surrounding transgender athletes and women’s sports.
“It’s crazy to say men should compete against women in sports,” Jordan said.
The issue has become part of a broader political debate over transgender participation in female athletic competitions, with Republicans generally emphasizing sex-based eligibility rules and Democrats holding a wider range of positions on the subject.
Jordan believes issues like these give Republicans an opportunity to contrast what he describes as traditional common-sense positions with the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.
He also referenced Democratic Socialists of America candidates and controversies surrounding traditional American celebrations and pastimes.
Jordan joked that Democrats could eventually find themselves opposing apple pie and ice cream.
Jordan said Democrats do not officially have a national agenda opposing traditions such as Thanksgiving or football, then joked that apple pie and ice cream might be the next American favorites to draw criticism.
Behind the humor was a serious political argument.
Jordan believes Republicans should frame the 2026 election not simply as a referendum on individual policies, but as a choice between two competing visions of American government and culture.
Trump Allies Prepare Their Midterm Message
The challenge for Republicans is balancing that cultural argument with the economic concerns Americans experience every day.
Trump’s allies can point to border enforcement, tax policy and other Republican priorities, but voters will also expect tangible improvements in their personal finances.
That is especially important for older Americans and retirees, who can be particularly sensitive to increases in recurring household expenses because many live on fixed or carefully managed incomes.
The price of groceries, electricity, insurance, gasoline and housing can therefore matter just as much politically as the latest debate in Washington.
Jordan appears to recognize that Republicans cannot simply tell voters the economy is improving. They must convince Americans that Republican policies will eventually translate into greater financial security at home.
At the same time, Jordan wants the GOP to force Democrats to defend the policies and statements coming from their party’s progressive wing.
Democrats Face Their Own Midterm Challenge
Democrats will likely reject Jordan’s characterization of their party.
The Democratic coalition includes moderates, progressives and democratic socialists who frequently disagree on taxes, policing, immigration, foreign policy and other major issues. Positions promoted by individual progressive politicians do not necessarily represent every Democratic candidate.
Still, Republicans are expected to highlight the most controversial proposals coming from the left as they attempt to persuade swing voters that Democratic control of Congress would move Washington in a more progressive direction.
Democrats are likely to respond by keeping the focus on household finances, health care, economic security and the cost of living.
That sets up a potentially powerful clash heading into November.
Republicans want Americans asking whether Democrats have moved too far left.
Democrats want Americans asking whether their families are financially better off under Republican control.
Both questions could influence control of Congress.
Jordan Predicts Voters Will Choose “Common Sense”
Jordan believes Republicans will ultimately benefit when Americans compare the two parties directly.
“They can try to dismiss it, but the American people are sharp, the American people have common sense,” Jordan said.
He predicted voters would choose what he described as “common sense” over the policies of the Democratic left when they cast their ballots in November.
Whether voters agree will depend heavily on what happens with the economy and cost of living in the months ahead.
For Trump and congressional Republicans, the political task is clear: convince Americans that securing the border, keeping taxes low and pursuing their economic agenda will produce greater long-term prosperity while addressing the immediate affordability concerns affecting families today.
For Democrats, the challenge is equally clear: persuade voters that Republicans have not done enough to reduce everyday expenses while distancing vulnerable candidates from controversial positions Republicans will try to attach to the entire party.
That battle over the economy, immigration, taxes, public safety and the direction of American culture could help determine who controls Congress after the 2026 midterm elections.
Jordan is betting that when Americans compare those competing agendas, they will side with Trump and Republicans.
November will reveal whether voters agree.