Trump Plans Four-State Tour as Republicans Fight to Retain Control of Congress/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ President Donald Trump will campaign in Ohio, Alaska, Arizona and Montana this week as Republicans defend competitive races ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. The tour includes appearances supporting Senators Jon Husted in Ohio and Dan Sullivan in Alaska, both facing closely contested challenges. Trump’s strategy centers on mobilizing loyal supporters as high gasoline prices and the Iran war create political headwinds.
Quick Look
- Monday rally: Trump will campaign in Youngstown, Ohio, for Republican Sen. Jon Husted.
- Ohio contest: Husted faces Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown.
- Alaska stop: A Tuesday rally comes as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola.
- Additional destinations: Arizona and Montana are also part of this week’s campaign swing.
- Travel pace: Trump will have campaigned in 11 states over two weeks by the week’s end.
- Political stakes: Republicans are seeking to retain their congressional majorities.
- Turnout strategy: White House officials say the rallies aim to bring Trump’s strongest supporters to the polls.
Deep Look
Trump Returns to Friendly States With Competitive Republican Races
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is launching another campaign swing through states he carried in 2024, seeking to help Republicans facing difficult contests with little more than three weeks remaining before Election Day.
His itinerary this week includes Ohio, Alaska, Arizona and Montana.
Although those states supported Trump in the last presidential election, some Republican candidates now face competitive races as the party fights to maintain control of Congress during the president’s final two years in office.
High gasoline prices and the war in Iran have complicated Republican efforts ahead of the Nov. 3 vote.
Ohio and Alaska Senate Races Take Priority
Trump is scheduled to appear Monday in Youngstown, Ohio, supporting Republican Sen. Jon Husted.
Husted is locked in a close contest with Democrat Sherrod Brown.
Trump will then hold a Tuesday rally in Alaska, where Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faces a competitive challenge from Democrat Mary Peltola.
By the end of the week, Trump will have campaigned in 11 states over two weeks. That stretch includes two appearances each in Texas and Ohio, where Republicans are also defending competitive Senate races.
The travel is part of Trump’s 32-day campaign push before the election.
Trump Says Tour Recognizes Supporters and Addresses Close Contests
Trump has largely concentrated his appearances on supportive territory.
Speaking Saturday night after visiting Clarksville, Tennessee, he said the stops were intended partly to recognize voters who had backed him previously.
He also said he planned to visit more contested areas.
“I want to give some recognition to places that have just backed me automatically, like Tennessee, and I’ll be going to Ohio, which backed me, but we have very close races,” Trump said.
Analyst Sees Strategic Value in Friendly Crowds
Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, said the itinerary appeared to serve strategic purposes.
“His staff is putting him in places where he’s likely to be able to draw a friendly crowd to the rally,” Sabato said. “And these candidates he’s campaigning for might well win.”
The approach gives Trump opportunities to energize receptive audiences while supporting Republicans in contests that could determine congressional control.
Presidential Visits Also Mobilize Opponents
Trump’s appearances are attracting opponents as well as supporters.
Outside a recent rally in Vandalia, Ohio, Democratic voter Marilyn Makiewicz, 59said the event prompted her to protest for the first time.
“This is my very first protest,” she said. “I think he is doing these rallies because he’s worried about the election.”
White House Focuses on Turning Trump Support Into Votes
White House officials said the campaign stops are designed to encourage the president’s most loyal supporters to vote for Republican candidates.
Trump has repeatedly urged those voters to “pretend I’m on the ballot.”
One official said some members of Trump’s base need a direct reason to participate when the president himself is not running.
“Some of them may not show up for a candidate unless Trump gives them a reason,” the official said.
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