In a classic display of political theatrics, the Democrats are pointing fingers at Republicans for the ongoing government shutdown, despite their own complicity in bringing it to fruition. Adding more fuel to the fire, they are airing advertisements that lay the blame firmly on the GOP.
The target of these ads? Critical districts where the Democrats aim to either maintain or flip seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
FIRST ON FOX: The House Democrats’ campaign arm has launched new advertisements designed to pressure Republicans into returning to the negotiation table as the 2025 government shutdown approaches its second week.
Democrats are attempting to pivot the current impasse into a healthcare-focused discussion, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., insisting that their caucuses will not endorse a funding bill that omits an extension of the Obamacare subsidies that were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has committed funds to a multi-thousand dollar ad buy targeting 13 districts where they believe they can secure or flip seats in the 2026 elections.
The advertisements assert that the Republican Party is to blame for the shutdown, conveniently glossing over the fact that it was a Democratic vote that helped instigate the stalemate, primarily due to disagreements over subsidy provisions.
In contrast, Republicans have indicated their openness to discuss subsidies at a subsequent time, arguing that their primary concern should be keeping the government operational.
Earlier in the week, Republicans rolled out their own ads to defend their position and to highlight the ways Democrats are jeopardizing funds intended for small businesses, farmers, veterans, and service members’ paychecks.
“Republicans have highlighted the Democratsâ counter-proposal for a continuing resolution as evidence that they are prioritizing healthcare for undocumented immigrants. This Democratic plan proposed a repeal of the healthcare changes established in the GOPâs “One Big, Beautiful Bill,â which included stricter requirements for Medicaid eligibility,” Fox News reported.
The current shutdown underscores a glaring priority shift within the Democratic Party, suggesting a commitment to issues concerning undocumented individuals over the welfare of American citizens.