Donald Trump made a final weekend appeal to voters across Republican-leaning states as his party sought to retain control of the US Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
The president held rallies in Florida, Iowa and Kansas, states he won comfortably in previous elections. His appearances there underscored the competitive environment facing Republicans, who currently hold slim majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Trump’s campaign focused on voter concerns about the rising cost of living, particularly fuel, groceries and healthcare. He highlighted his trade and immigration policies while directing attacks at Democrats, claiming that a Democratic victory would open the border, bankrupt families, restrict gun rights and undermine parental control over children’s healthcare. His rallies also featured video montages criticising Democrats’ positions on immigration enforcement and transgender rights.
Trump said his administration had moved the country from what he described as a “dark age” into a “golden age of America”. His broader campaign strategy was to shift attention away from economic frustrations and encourage Republican turnout by warning supporters about the consequences of a Democratic-controlled Congress.
He also took part in telephone rallies supporting candidates in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, while Democrats made their own final appeals. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was “very confident” that his party could win control of the House. Former President Barack Obama was among the senior Democrats campaigning for votes.
Several forecasts gave Democrats a strong chance of making gains. A Harvard University tool analysing polls and historical data estimated a 96% probability of a Democratic House takeover and a 76% probability of Democrats winning the Senate. An NBC News national poll showed registered voters preferring a Democratic-controlled Congress by seven percentage points, with Democrats at 52% and Republicans at 45%.
The Senate contest in Michigan also took a dramatic turn when Haley Stevens, a congresswoman who lost the Democratic nomination to Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers. Democrats widely condemned the decision, while Republicans, including Trump, praised Stevens and described her as “very brave”.
In Alaska, a judge rejected an attempt by the Trump administration to delay certification of election results if the Republican incumbent lost, after concerns arose because two candidates with the same name appeared on the ballot.
The elections carry significant consequences for Trump’s remaining presidency. A Democratic majority would allow the party to act as a check on his agenda, investigate his administration and promote its own priorities ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Republicans, meanwhile, want to maintain the majorities needed to pass legislation and shape national policy.
Midterm elections commonly result in the president’s party losing congressional seats, making the outcome a test of public satisfaction with Trump’s performance. The results could affect issues including fuel and grocery prices, healthcare, abortion access, taxes and immigration.
Sources: BBC News World.