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Live updates: Trump, Vance zip across South to shore up GOP votes
Developed over time first seen 2 weeks ago
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Republican strongholds on 29 October, five days before the US midterm elections. Trump rallied in Rock Hill, South Carolina, for Senator Darline Graham, whose race against Democrat Annie Andrews had become unexpectedly close. He urged supporters to vote as though he were on the ballot. Vance headed to Weatherford, Texas, to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico. Trump also cancelled planned rallies in Kansas and Iowa, with Republicans saying telephone rallies would let him reach voters in more states. Control of Congress was at stake, giving both parties reason to focus on contests once seen as safer for Republicans.
Democrats were making their own closing appeal: former vice-president Kamala Harris was due to campaign in Georgia for Senator Jon Ossoff, following a visit by former president Barack Obama. Meanwhile, Alaska’s Senate race faced a separate dispute after Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation into reports that people linked to Democrat Mary Peltola’s campaign had helped put another candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot alongside the Republican incumbent. Peltola denied knowing about the other candidate or wanting to mislead voters. The allegations remained contested as campaigning entered its final days.
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In short
- Trump rallied for Darline Graham in a close South Carolina Senate race.
- Vance travelled to Texas to back Ken Paxton against James Talarico.
- Alaska opened an investigation into a disputed second Dan Sullivan candidacy.
How this story developed
- 2 weeks ago President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Republican strongholds on 29 October, five days before the US midterm elections. Trump rallied in Rock Hill, South Carolina, for Senator Darline Graham, whose race against Democrat Annie Andrews had become unexpectedly close.
Explained simply
US midterm elections choose members of Congress, the federal legislature, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate is elected state by state, and its members serve six-year terms; the House is elected from local districts every two years. Control of either chamber affects how readily a president can advance legislation and win approval for appointments.
The Republican and Democratic parties compete for those seats, often with prominent national figures campaigning for candidates. Donald Trump, a Republican, was president, and JD Vance was vice-president; Kamala Harris and Barack Obama are Democrats who had previously held those offices. Their involvement can draw attention and encourage supporters to vote, including in races that are usually viewed as safe.
Campaign disputes can also arise over how candidates get on the ballot and whether voters might confuse people with similar names. Such claims may be investigated or denied, and the outcome can matter in close contests.
Coverage · 2 sources
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