US Congressman's comments on CHIPS act fuel Democratic campaign strategies

Speaker of the US House of Representatives and a Republican member of Congress Mike Johnson inadvertently provided Democrats with a campaign boost by suggesting Republicans might attempt to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act. Although he quickly tried to retract his statement, Democrats argued the impact had already taken hold.

A senior House Democrat noted that Johnson's comments could be detrimental in the Midwest, where new jobs are being created due to the CHIPS Act. There is already discussion among Democrats about using this incident in their closing campaign messages to illustrate Republican indifference toward older industrial cities., Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

During a campaign stop in upstate New York, Johnson responded to a question about the CHIPS Act by saying, "I expect that we probably will" try to repeal it. Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.), who was campaigning alongside Johnson, emphasized the positive impact of the $50 billion investment in microchip development in his district and stated he would remind Johnson of its importance.

Williams later claimed Johnson apologized, saying he misunderstood the question, and Johnson clarified that repealing the law is not currently on the agenda, although he mentioned targeting some pro-environmental provisions.

This gaffe follows a series of comments by Johnson that Democrats have used to argue against him, including accusations that he wishes to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Democrats with significant Puerto Rican constituents have also capitalized on a comedian's disparaging remarks about Puerto Rico during a recent rally for former President Trump.

In response to Johnson's comments, several Democrats in competitive races quickly released statements. New York state Sen. John Mannion, Williams' Democratic opponent, called both Johnson and Williams "extremists." Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) linked Johnson's remarks to healthcare issues, arguing that both would harm American families. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.) claimed Johnson's comments reflect a broader trend of economic voters abandoning the Republican Party.

House Democrats' main super PAC is actively targeting swing-district Republicans, questioning their stance on Johnson's statements. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) summed up the sentiment by calling the GOP "team extreme" for showcasing their perceived dangers in the final days of the campaign.

By Vafa Guliyeva