Transcript
GEOFF BENNETT: Now, let’s discuss how President Trump’s tariff decisions are influencing crucial congressional races this fall.
For that, we’ll connect with our congressional correspondent, Lisa Desjardins.
Lisa, it’s always nice to see you.
Let’s kick things off in Michigan, a state we’ve mentioned before.
This is a major battleground.
Can you explain why?
LISA DESJARDINS: The Wolverine State has significant stakes and important races for both the House and Senate.
We’ll start with the House first.
You can see four critical House races that could determine control of the chamber.
The yellow area marks the Canadian border.
One of these House races even touches Canada directly.
The state also features a vital Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
A couple of weeks ago, Mike Rogers launched an ad campaign stating he would advocate for manufacturing in Michigan.
However, President Trump’s record on manufacturing hasn’t been as strong as he claims.
Let’s take a look at the current situation in Michigan.
Since Trump announced global tariffs last year, Michigan has lost a net total of 8,300 manufacturing jobs.
The state faces the third highest tariff burden nationwide-around 15 billion dollars just for the auto industry alone.
This is an issue where Republicans feel good about their candidates in this state.
They realize how crucial it is, but the economic impact can no longer be overlooked, and voters are beginning to notice.
A source from a Republican national campaign told me they believe Michigan is where tariffs might have the most electoral influence this year.
GEOFF BENNETT: Another state affected by Canadian tariffs is Pennsylvania. Can you tell us more?
LISA DESJARDINS: Absolutely.
This situation is intriguing.
Pennsylvania has several key House races going on, but one stands out due to tariffs specifically imposed by Canada on motorcycles.
This involves Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District located along its southern border, home to the Harley-Davidson assembly plant in York County.
Canada just announced today a hefty 50 percent tariff on American-made motorcycles like those produced at that York County facility.
Ealier this summer Harley-Davidson indicated plans for expansion after some layoffs but now faces setbacks.
No business wants to hit pause while trying to grow.
This puts pressure on Congressman Scott Perry representing this district as he’s locked in a tight race to retain his seat.
This isn’t helping him at all.” He expressed disappointment over these tariffs and labeled them harmful; still, they do make him more exposed politically.”
We reached out to Harley-Davidson regarding this matter; they replied briefly saying they won’t comment.”
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You’ve also got potential implications for a Senate race that many thought was unlikely for Democrats but now seems more viable. What’s happening there? LISA DESJARDINS: Exactly. It all comes down to local issues. Let’s talk about Kansas. This race was seen as tough for Democrats initially but appears increasingly competitive when considering who will represent us in the U. S. Senate. Yesterday Trump posted something on TRUTH Social about Bombardier-a Canadian jet company. He stated: “No more selling Bombardier in the United States.” Now sure enough it’s true that Bombardier’s based in Canada; however their U. S. operations are situated in Wichita Kansas employing around 1,200 Americans which creates trouble potentially impacting Republican candidates here as well. Roger Marshall-the incumbent senator-is running against Democratic Pastor Adam Hamilton. Marshall shouldn’t really face challenges since he’s well established; however circumstances have shifted somewhat making him appear vulnerable. He’s witnessing headlines tying Trump into job losses locally. Today Marshall released statements indicating he has reached out seeking support from Trump pushing back against job losses.” GEOFF BENNETT: Looking at everything overall what effect do you think President Trump’s trade policies will have on these midterm elections? LISA DESJARDINS: We’ve zoomed into specific examples but let’s broaden our view across various states up for grabs particularly focusing Republican-held Senate seats. There are quite few such states including Alaska and Maine having heavy trade relations with Canada. Texas too finds itself caught up within these concerns while farmers struggle under his beef tariff regulations affecting them adversely. In conclusion trends suggest shifting winds favoring Democrats currently though some Republicans believe Trump’s stance regarding tariffs may aid them during election time.” GEOFF BENNETT: Thank you Lisa Desjardins for your insights today! LISA DESJARDINS: Anytime!
