U.S. President Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to campaign aggressively for Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections, saying he plans to make extensive stops in states where competitive races could determine control of Congress.
Speaking at a White House dinner for congressional Republicans, Trump highlighted his record of campaigning for the party and promised a packed schedule of appearances during the final month of the election season, echoing the relentless pace of his 2024 presidential campaign.
Trump Targets 35 Key Races
“I will be with you 100 percent all the way to November,” Trump told the gathering, which included Republican lawmakers representing some of the most competitive congressional districts.
“It’s all about 35 races. We are going to see if we can get everyone elected,” Trump said, referring to the congressional contests the party is closely watching.
Republicans are seeking to defend their narrow congressional majorities as Trump faces political challenges over the war with Iran and persistent inflation. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on August 31 showed just 33% of Americans approving of Trump’s job performance, the lowest level of his political career and the third consecutive month at that level.
Iran War Adds to Political Pressure
Trump’s conflict with Iran has disrupted global oil supplies, pushing up energy prices in the United States and adding to concerns over the cost of living.
The war has entered its seventh month, with no immediate diplomatic effort to bring the conflict to an end. Washington and Tehran have exchanged their heaviest barrage of attacks since July in recent days, raising renewed fears that the confrontation could escalate into a full-scale war.
The political fallout could pose a challenge for Republican candidates heading into the November 3 elections, particularly in closely contested congressional districts.
Trump Plans Extensive Campaign Stops
Trump has already stepped up his political activity in recent weeks. He traveled to Texas to headline a fundraiser for state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
He also visited South Carolina to campaign for Darline Graham in a Republican Senate primary runoff, which she won. Graham is seeking to capture the Senate seat held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham, in November.
“I’ll be making a lot of stops,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday.
One of his upcoming trips will take him to Alaska to campaign for incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan. Trump also said he plans to campaign for “a few governors,” although he made clear that the Senate and House races remain his main priorities.
“I love the governors, but we’re interested in the Senate, and we’re interested in the House,” Trump said.
Trump to Address Republican Midterm Convention
Trump is now scheduled to speak on both nights of the Republican Party’s unusual midterm convention next week.
Some Republican insiders have linked the expanded role to concerns over the Republican National Committee’s ability to attract party members and activists to the event, as the party seeks to energize its base and strengthen its position ahead of the November vote.
