Trump to Begin Midterm Campaign Push in Deep-Red Alabama and Oklahoma/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ President Donald Trump will begin his October midterm campaign schedule with rallies in heavily Republican Oklahoma and Alabama. The itinerary underscores GOP concerns as once-safe red states become more competitive amid dissatisfaction with Trump, the economy and the Iran war. Republicans say Trump can mobilize low-turnout supporters across state lines, while Democrats portray the schedule as evidence of the party’s vulnerability.
Quick Look
- Trump promised to campaign in 35 competitive races.
- His first October rallies will be in Durant, Oklahoma, and Mobile, Alabama.
- Both states are traditionally strong Republican territory.
- The Oklahoma event could reach voters in the Dallas-Fort Worth media market.
- Trump will campaign for Oklahoma gubernatorial nominee Mike Mazzei.
- Alabama Republicans face competitive races for governor, Senate and Congress.
- Some GOP candidates are distancing themselves from Trump and the Iran war.
- Democrats say Republicans are being forced to defend deep-red states.
- Trump is expected to announce additional October rallies.
- Ohio Republicans also want Trump to help drive turnout.
Deep Look
Trump starts campaign tour in Republican strongholds
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — President Donald Trump promised to campaign in 35 of the nation’s most competitive races during the final stretch before November’s midterm elections.
But his October schedule will begin with rallies in Alabama and Oklahoma, two of the most reliably Republican states in the country.
Trump will appear Thursday in Durant, Oklahoma, before traveling to Mobile, Alabama, for a Friday rally.
Both locations are likely to produce large and enthusiastic crowds, but the decision to begin in deep-red territory has raised questions about the Republican Party’s political position.
Schedule reflects Trump’s national unpopularity
Trump has sought to make the midterm campaign a referendum on his presidency.
However, his unpopularity outside the Republican base complicates efforts to deploy him in suburban and closely divided districts.
Republicans have poured campaign money into states and districts that once appeared safely under GOP control.
Voters have expressed frustration over the economy, high living costs and Trump’s war with Iran, creating unexpected risks for Republican candidates.
The Alabama and Oklahoma rallies could help the party strengthen its base without exposing vulnerable candidates in more politically balanced areas to the president’s polarizing influence.
Some Republicans distance themselves from Trump
A growing number of Republican candidates have reduced or removed references to Trump from their campaign websites.
Some have also begun publicly opposing the Iran war as its economic and political costs increase.
The conflict has contributed to higher gasoline and diesel prices, creating problems for candidates trying to campaign on affordability.
These Republicans still need strong turnout from Trump’s “Make America Great Again” supporters but must also appeal to independents and moderate voters.
Rallies offer Trump enthusiastic audiences
Trump’s rallies in Durant and Mobile are expected to deliver the large, supportive crowds he prefers.
Both states contain substantial numbers of loyal supporters who helped drive his political rise.
The events will allow Trump to project excitement and strength as Republicans attempt to motivate voters who do not consistently participate in midterm elections.
“The President’s ability to engage with and activate low-propensity voters is unmatched. That’s why he’ll be barnstorming the country to activate the voters we need to win in November,” Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said.
She promised that additional rallies would be announced for October.
Democrats mock choice of locations
Democrats said the schedule showed that Republicans were being forced to defend territory they once considered secure.
“The political floor is falling out from underneath Trump and Congressional Republicans, forcing them to scramble to spend and campaign in deep red territory in the final weeks,” said Viet Shelton, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Democrats hope dissatisfaction with Trump can expand the electoral map and make Republican candidates spend time and money protecting traditionally conservative states.
Oklahoma rally could reach Texas voters
Republican officials argued that Trump’s rallies could influence voters beyond the states where they are held.
Durant is near the Texas border and within reach of the Dallas-Fort Worth media market.
That could give the president’s remarks significant coverage in Texas, which has become one of the most important states in the midterm elections.
Trump-backed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is engaged in a close Senate contest against Democrat James Talarico.
Trump supported Paxton over incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also faces a stronger-than-expected challenge from Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Trump campaigns for Oklahoma governor nominee
Trump will use the Durant rally to support Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei.
The president endorsed Mazzei during a competitive GOP primary.
Mazzei is running against Cyndi Munson, the Democratic leader in the Oklahoma House.
Democrats argue the race has become increasingly competitive.
“This race continues to get more competitive — and national Republicans are right to be worried about Mazzei,” Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Kevin Donohoe said.
Mobile rally could influence Florida Panhandle
Mobile sits near the Florida Panhandle, another strongly Republican region.
High turnout there could help Trump-backed candidates running for governor and the U.S. Senate in Florida.
Florida Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, however, is not expected to attend the Alabama event.
Republican organizers are counting on regional television coverage and supporters traveling across state lines to extend the rally’s reach.
Alabama carries symbolic importance for Trump
Mobile has special significance in Trump’s political history.
More than a decade ago, he held his first massive campaign rally there, drawing approximately 30,000 people to a college football stadium.
The turnout demonstrated to political skeptics that Trump’s presidential campaign was more than a celebrity-driven novelty.
“I think it’s very natural that he would host a rally here as he is gearing up for the midterm elections,” said John Wahl, the Republican nominee for Alabama lieutenant governor and a former state GOP chairman.
Alabama governor’s race becomes more competitive
Republicans remain favored in Alabama’s statewide elections, but they face a more difficult environment than usual.
Former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones is mounting a strong campaign for governor against Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
Tuberville is among Trump’s most vocal political allies and welcomed the president’s visit.
The rally could help Tuberville consolidate Republican support and increase turnout in a state where GOP nominees usually win comfortably.
Trump supports Barry Moore for Senate
Republican Rep. Barry Moore is seeking to replace Tuberville in the U.S. Senate.
Moore has Trump’s endorsement and expects the Mobile rally to energize conservative voters.
He said Trump’s appearance “will be the jet fuel we need to win big in Alabama.”
The event could also help other Republican candidates appearing alongside the president.
Competitive House race near Mobile
Mobile is located near Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, where Republicans are trying to defeat Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures.
The district leans Republican following redistricting but is not considered a guaranteed GOP victory.
Figures is running against Trump-backed state Rep. Rhett Marques.
The Democrat has criticized Trump’s proposal to reduce import tariffs on foreign beef, attempting to appeal to Alabama cattle ranchers concerned about competition and falling prices.
Trump repeats promise to visit 35 races
Trump previously said he would personally campaign in all of the most competitive districts.
“It’s all about 35 races,” Trump said during a Rose Garden dinner attended by Republican lawmakers. “I’m going to go to every one of those 35 places and we’re going to see if we can get everyone elected.”
It remains unclear whether his schedule will ultimately include all 35 locations.
Time constraints, security requirements and concern among vulnerable candidates could limit the number of battleground appearances.
Ohio Republicans request Trump visit
Republican leaders in Ohio also want Trump to campaign in their state.
Trump won Ohio by 11 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, but the Senate race has become competitive.
Republican Sen. John Husted is facing former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.
“We definitely want him here,” Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou said. “He’s a turnout driver for us.”
Republicans are betting that Trump’s ability to motivate irregular voters will outweigh the risk of energizing Democrats or alienating independents.
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