Can Trump, Obama & Vance Rallies Deliver Midterm Final Push Targeting Pivotal States?/ NEWSLOOKS/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and former President Barack Obama are campaigning in pivotal states Wednesday, six days before the midterm elections. Republicans are defending competitive races as voters confront high fuel prices, rising costs and the unpopular Iran war. Obama is supporting Georgia Democrats while Trump returns to Ohio and Vance campaigns in North Carolina.
Quick Look
- Trump in Ohio: His third visit to the state this month includes remarks expected after 7 p.m. Eastern.
- Vance in North Carolina: His rally is expected after 12:30 p.m. Eastern.
- Obama in Georgia: His appearance with Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms is expected after 4 p.m. Eastern.
- Ohio Senate race: Republican Jon Husted faces Democratic former Sen. Sherrod Brown.
- Ohio governor’s race: Republican Vivek Ramaswamy faces Democrat Amy Acton.
- North Carolina contest: Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper are competing to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.
- Campaign controversy: An advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged mother has divided Republicans.
- Election Day: Voters will determine congressional control on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Deep Look
National Leaders Make Closing Appeals Before Midterms
President Donald Trump is returning to Ohio on Wednesday as Republicans work to preserve their congressional majorities, while former President Barack Obama campaigns for Democrats in Georgia.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to rally Republicans in North Carolina, adding another high-profile appearance to the final six days before Election Day.
Vance’s event is expected after 12:30 p.m. Eastern. Obama’s Georgia rally is expected after 4 p.m., and Trump’s Ohio remarks are expected after 7 p.m.
The appearances come as voters contend with record fuel prices, broader cost increases and an unpopular war in Iran.
Trump’s Travel Reflects Republican Defensive Strategy
Wednesday marks Trump’s third Ohio visit in a month.
His closing itinerary has concentrated on states he won comfortably in 2024, reflecting the pressure Republican candidates face even in traditionally favorable territory.
Trump campaigned in Mississippi on Monday and Texas on Tuesday. Visits to South Carolina, Florida, Kansas and Iowa are planned in the coming days.
Republican Party resources and Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC have helped sustain candidates during the difficult campaign environment.
Vance Campaigns for North Carolina Senate Seat
In North Carolina, Republicans have expressed pessimism about retaining the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Thom Tillis.
Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley faces Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper in the contest.
Vance’s appearance is part of the party’s effort to mobilize supporters and defend the seat.
Obama Supports Ossoff and Bottoms in Georgia
Obama is increasing his campaign activity as Democrats seek to regain power in Washington and win major state races.
The former president, the last Democrat to serve two presidential terms, has emerged as a prominent counterweight to Trump. During a recent Michigan appearance, he criticized Trump’s White House renovations and the growth of his personal wealth while in office.
In Georgia, Obama plans to appear with Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Ossoff is seeking reelection and is regarded as a potential future presidential contender.
Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor, is seeking to become the first Black woman elected governor in the United States.
Ohio Republicans Defend Senate and Governor Contests
Ohio’s Republican ticket includes Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, a wealthy biotechnology executive.
Husted is running to serve the remainder of the Senate term Vance left to become vice president. His Democratic opponent is former Sen. Sherrod Brown.
Trump has repeatedly praised Husted’s physical appearance, frequently discussing the former college football player’s physique during campaign appearances.
Ramaswamy faces Amy Acton, Ohio’s former state health director and a former public health official.
Advertisement Featuring Acton’s Mother Draws Backlash
Ramaswamy’s campaign has faced a late controversy over an advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur.
In the ad, Arthur calls her daughter “a liar” who “needs help” and accuses her of having “a serious problem” being honest about her past.
Arthur has not seen Acton in nearly 50 years. She lost custody of her children after her husband, their stepfather, was indicted for raping Acton when she was 12.
Acton says she has not seen her mother since 1978.
Trump supported the advertisement, but other Republicans, including Husted, have distanced themselves from it.
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