Donald Trump is campaigning in deep red Republican districts in Oklahoma and Alabama with less than a month until the midterm election, a puzzling move that has alarmed Republicans. This is unusual because national candidates typically campaign in swing districts where races are competitive. The decision suggests the Republican Party is struggling more than expected and needs to defend districts that should be solidly Republican, drawing comparisons to Vice President Cheney's 2006 Wyoming campaign, which preceded major GOP losses.

Oklahoma's second congressional district is rated as R+28, the fourth most Republican in the country, whilst Alabama's first district is R+17. However, Jerry Carl, the Republican candidate in Alabama, has slipped to only a 10-point lead over his Democratic challenger—a significant drop from the prior Republican's 80 per cent performance. Trump's approval rating stands at 32 per cent, his lowest ever, with voters concerned about the economy, rising petrol prices, and the Iran war. The RNC hopes the Oklahoma rally, located near the Texas border and sharing a Dallas media market, will boost statewide officials and help secure the contested Texas Senate race.