Trump finishes sprint to midterm elections with Kansas rally just hours after taking stage in Iowa as new poll predicts ‘blue tsunami’ on the horizon
Donald Trump ended a final push for the midterm elections with rallies in Iowa and Kansas, seeking to energise Republican voters and protect the party’s narrow congressional majorities. The campaign came as a new poll suggested Democrats were ahead in all seven closely contested Senate races, raising the prospect of significant Republican losses.
Trump spent more than two hours at the Iowa rally backing Senate candidate Ashley Hinson, and about 84 minutes in Kansas. He also praised Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens for endorsing Republican Mike Rogers, while criticising Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed. The two rallies had briefly been cancelled before being restored to Trump’s schedule.
In short
- Trump held final rallies in Iowa and Kansas.
- A poll put Democrats ahead in all seven key Senate races.
- He backed Republican Senate candidates and criticised a Democratic hopeful.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Trump’s rallies gave Republicans a final chance to build enthusiasm, draw attention to their candidates and make the case for keeping narrow congressional majorities. Supporters could argue that the poll is a snapshot rather than a result, and that strong turnout and local campaigning may still change close races.
The case against
The poll’s Democratic leads in all seven closely contested Senate races suggest Republicans may be vulnerable, despite the rallies and Trump’s efforts to mobilise supporters. Critics could argue that a last-minute campaign push is unlikely to overcome broader voter dissatisfaction or concerns about the party’s record, and that the forecast points to a possible shift in congressional power.
Explained simply
The US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Voters choose members of Congress, including all seats in the House of Representatives and some seats in the Senate; control of either chamber can affect which laws pass and how the president’s plans are scrutinised.
Donald Trump is a Republican, and his party holds narrow majorities in Congress. Rallies are a way for presidents to support candidates from their party and encourage voters to turn out. Ashley Hinson is a Republican Senate candidate in Iowa, while Mike Rogers is running for the Senate in Michigan.
The Senate is closely divided, so a small number of competitive races could change which party controls it. Polls offer a snapshot of voter intentions, but they are estimates rather than election results.
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