Republicans split with Trump and back Haitians – to save their seats
In Ohio, some Republican lawmakers are breaking with former President Trump by supporting Haitian immigrants, citing their economic contributions and shifting voter sentiment. Congressmen Mike Turner and Mike Carey voted with Democrats to extend immigration protections for Haitians, defying much of their party. With Trump's support declining in the state and competitive elections approaching, these Republicans are aligning with local business, religious, and civic leaders who back immigrant communities.
- ▪Mike Turner and Mike Carey are among 10 House Republicans who voted to extend temporary protected status for Haitian immigrants.
- ▪A recent poll by Bowling Green State University and YouGov found 15% of Ohioans who voted for Trump in 2024 now regret their choice.
- ▪Haitian immigrants have played a key role in revitalizing Springfield, Ohio’s local economy.
- ▪Turner and Carey represent districts with competitive elections, prompting strategic distancing from Trump’s immigration policies.
- ▪The Supreme Court recently heard a case challenging the Trump administration’s effort to end temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians.
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Springfield, Ohio, which has a large number of Haitian immigrants. Photograph: Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenSpringfield, Ohio, which has a large number of Haitian immigrants. Photograph: Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty ImagesRepublicansRepublicans split with Trump and back Haitians – to save their seatsIn Ohio, where Haitians have helped revive the economy, vulnerable Republicans are reluctant to toe the Trump lineStephen Starrin Springfield, OhioMon 4 May 2026 08.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleFor months Carl Ruby, a pastor at a church in Springfield, Ohio, and a prominent supporter of the city’s estimated 10,000 Haitian immigrants, had been trying to contact his local congressman, Republican Mike Turner.Ruby had long hoped for an opportunity to…
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