Democratic candidates backtrack on defunding police

Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Democratic candidates across the United States are distancing themselves from past statements supporting 'defund the police,' a slogan that gained prominence during the 2020 protests following George Floyd's death. Party strategists, including Antjuan Seawright, worry that these past positions could undermine the party's message on public safety and cost seats in Congress, gubernatorial races, and state legislatures. In United States — Wisconsin, gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, previously posted support for abolishing the police but stated in a July 28 debate that she does not support cutting police funding. In United States — Michigan, Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed deleted past posts supporting defunding and now rejects the idea. United States — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani apologized for his 2020 posts criticizing the police and has retained Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to ease concerns. In United States — Tennessee, residents oppose the federal anti-crime task force and National Guard presence but remain skeptical of defunding the police, according to State Senator London Lamar. The debate reflects a shift in criminal justice politics since 2020, creating challenges for Democratic strategy.