Democratic candidates grapple with past stances on defunding the police ahead of key midterm races

Democrats are trying to convince voters that lawlessness under President Donald Trump is a major threat. However, past debates over crime and safety could undermine their message. Candidates who previously supported defunding the police, a demand that arose from protests following George Floyd's death in 2020, are now facing tough questions. Some Democratic leaders fear these views may harm their chances in upcoming elections. In Wisconsin, gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong has softened her stance on police funding. In Michigan and New York, candidates have also distanced themselves from previous defunding positions. A Pew study shows voters are more concerned about the economy, but crime remains a key issue.