WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is concluding a tumultuous midterm campaign with rallies in two states where he has previously secured significant victories. This strategy underscores the defensive stance his Republican Party is adopting as the upcoming elections transform into a referendum on his second term in the White House.
Trump’s campaign trail begins on Sunday afternoon in Dubuque, Iowa. This state holds particular importance for Republicans, who are striving to maintain a crucial Senate seat as well as the governor’s office. The 2nd Congressional District, encompassing Dubuque, has also entered a competitive phase, with the GOP aiming to safeguard its slender majority in the House of Representatives.
Following Iowa, Trump plans to wrap up the final weekend of campaigning before Election Day on Tuesday with a stop in Salina, Kansas. Democrat Adam Hamilton is making a vigorous attempt to become the first Kansas Democrat to win a Senate seat in nearly a century, highlighting the shifting political dynamics in traditionally Republican strongholds.
With over 52 million ballots already cast, Trump’s upcoming appearances signify a return to his signature rallies after a brief pause on Saturday. Initially, the Iowa and Kansas events were canceled but were quickly rescheduled as Trump seeks to fortify a Senate majority that is at risk of eroding.
This travel serves as a stark reminder of how dramatically the political environment has shifted since Trump’s last campaign. In 2024, Trump aimed to flip states that had previously supported Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. This time around, he is primarily focusing on states where he has historically performed well, as voters—including some former supporters—express concerns over the economic repercussions of his policies, such as tariffs and military actions in the Middle East.
While these factors have benefitted Democrats in their quest to reclaim congressional majorities, they face their own set of challenges. A critical Senate seat in Michigan, for example, is under threat. The Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, has found himself embroiled in an increasingly public dispute with Rep. Haley Stevens, one of his primary opponents. This feud poses a risk of dividing the party at a crucial juncture just ahead of the election.
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has conveyed optimism regarding his party’s ability to retain control of the Senate and has acknowledged Trump’s pivotal role in the campaign.
“There’s no doubt that President Trump has said himself that the midterm election is about him,” Scott remarked during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” He further emphasized, “His agenda, without any question, is on the ballot.”
