Olson on Newswire: Immigration & Crime Top Concerns
Byline: Olson Strategies' Staff
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Dustin Olson, Managing Partner at Olson Strategies, joined Newswire on Newsmax2 to discuss immigration, Republican momentum, and why crime continues to be seen as a life-or-death issue for voters nationwide.
Immigration as a Defining Issue
Olson emphasized that immigration — more than even inflation or other economic concerns — was the key factor driving Republican victories in 2024, and it remains central in polling today.
“While inflation and other economic issues were part of what happened in 2024, it's clear to me, looking at the polling and the continued polling since then, that the number one issue that really won Donald Trump the presidency and gave Republicans control of both houses of Congress was the immigration issue. Roughly about 60% of the country just rejects all of this kind of crazy illegal immigration type of policies.”
He added that the ongoing government shutdown fight underscores how strongly voters oppose measures like free healthcare for illegal immigrants, which he argued helps Republicans in the fight.
Crime as a Life-and-Death Concern
Olson also pointed to polling showing that crime has become a dominant and deeply personal issue, particularly in urban areas like New York City.
“We've been polling in the New York City Mayor's race, and in New York City, which has similar issues but not as bad as Memphis, 85% of New Yorkers said that crime was a problem. Half of New Yorkers say it's a serious problem. We see this across the country and national polling. Obviously people are tired of this, because it's life and death to them.”
Policy Proof of Concept
Olson argued that recent actions have demonstrated how numerous policies that all move in the same direction can make a measurable difference, and even do so quickly, citing examples such as crime in Washington, D.C. and securing the border..
“There's been proof of concept now on how the administration can help in these issues, and now we're going to see it in Memphis again. I think they just keep building the case that with this, you know, pretty bold policy, they're actually making a difference in saving lives. People want that. And you look at the issues that matter — obviously life and death like crime is a pretty big deal.”
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