Trump to join tele-rallies 19 states after midterm event cancellations

The Republican National Committee (RNC) said Thursday that President Trump will appear in tele-rallies across 19 states before Election Day, an announcement which followed his two in-person event cancellations in Iowa and Kansas

“Voters across the country want to hear from President Trump before Election Day, and this 72-hour sprint will be a huge boost in the closing days,” RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said in a press release announcing the virtual campaign events.

So far, Trump is slated to appear virtually in 19 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Though the committee said it may announce more events featuring the president.

In its announcement, the RNC also explained the reasoning behind the cancellation of the planned Trump rallies in Kansas and Iowa, noting that “Republicans in a strong position” in both states.

Trump’s October campaign blitz, one Republican strategist told The Hill, is “about ensuring every MAGA vote possible comes out” despite declining GOP’s support, particularly in red strongholds.

Republicans have been forced to navigate a tough midterm cycle amid growing dissatisfaction with rising living costs under the Trump administration.

Trump previously rallied in Kansas and Iowa to support Republican Senate candidates facing increasingly competitive challenges from Democrats.

A CNN/SSRS survey released Thursday found Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton leading his opponent , incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), by 4 points in the state’s Senate race. Though his lead was within the poll’s margin of error.

In Iowa, Democrat Josh Turek has been gaining ground against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has prominently repeatedly broken away from the Trump administration over its sweeping tariffs and the war in Iran.

Emerson College/Nexstar polling put Hinson two points ahead of Turek, but her lead was also within the poll’s margin of error. The pollster’s analysis also mentioned the Republican’s support had decreased since September by 3 points, while that of her challenger had stayed consistent.