With Election Day just 48 hours away, President Donald Trump is heading to two traditionally Republican states as the battle for control of Congress enters its final stretch.
President Donald Trump is making a dramatic final-weekend campaign push, heading to Iowa and Kansas as Republicans scramble to defend key Senate seats just two days before the November midterm elections.
The president’s Sunday schedule includes rallies in Dubuque, Iowa, and Salina, Kansas, two stops that underscore how competitive the battle for control of Congress has become.
But there’s an unexpected twist.
Both campaign stops were previously canceled before being abruptly restored to Trump’s schedule.
The last-minute changes come as Republicans attempt to preserve their narrow congressional majorities amid voter concerns about the economy, rising costs and the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump, however, is projecting confidence.
“I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people,” the president told reporters Saturday while discussing the upcoming elections.
His remarks set the stage for a final campaign blitz that could have significant consequences for the remainder of his second term. ABC News+1
Trump’s Unexpected Return to Republican Territory
The president is scheduled to begin Sunday afternoon in Dubuque, Iowa, where Republicans are defending a Senate seat, the governor’s office and competitive House districts.
The Iowa Senate contest features Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Joni Ernst.
Hinson has emphasized her willingness to support Trump’s agenda while also standing up for Iowa’s interests when necessary.
The state has become an important battleground as economic concerns and agricultural issues take center stage.
After Iowa, Trump is scheduled to travel to Salina, Kansas, where Republican Sen. Roger Marshall faces a challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton.
Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 94 years, making the competitiveness of this year’s race particularly notable.
The president carried both Iowa and Kansas comfortably in 2024, but the decision to spend the final weekend campaigning there highlights the stakes facing Republicans.
The trips also mark Trump’s return to in-person campaign rallies after a one-day break Saturday. KPRC
Trump Predicts a Midterm Surprise
Despite the difficult political environment, Trump has repeatedly expressed confidence that Republicans can outperform expectations.
Speaking with reporters Saturday at Mar-a-Lago, the president said he was feeling optimistic about the election.
“I feel very good. I mean, I feel like we’re doing well,” Trump said.
He also argued that his campaign appearances were helping Republican candidates.
“We’re going to Iowa first then Kansas second,” Trump said before predicting that the results could surprise political observers.
Republicans are hoping the president’s ability to energize his supporters will help candidates in competitive races.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has emphasized that Trump’s political agenda is central to the election.
“His agenda, without any question, is on the ballot,” Scott told NBC’s Meet the Press.
That message reflects the stakes for Republicans as voters prepare to determine which party will control Congress for the next two years. ABC News+1
More Than 52 Million Americans Have Already Voted
The final campaign push comes as early voting reaches a significant milestone.
According to data cited by the Associated Press, more than 52 million Americans had already cast ballots heading into Sunday’s campaign events.
That means millions of voters have already made their choices before Trump and other political leaders deliver their final appeals.
Republicans are attempting to protect their majorities in both the House and Senate, while Democrats are targeting competitive districts and states where economic concerns have become prominent campaign issues.
Trump’s tariffs, the continuing war with Iran and the cost of living have all figured into the campaign debate.
Republicans have emphasized the administration’s policy priorities and argued that maintaining congressional control would allow Trump to continue implementing his agenda.
Democrats, meanwhile, have focused on economic dissatisfaction and their opposition to the president’s policies. KPRC+1
Control of Congress Hangs in the Balance
The stakes extend far beyond individual Senate contests.
A Democratic takeover of the House would give the opposition party control of congressional committees, opening the door to investigations of the Trump administration and greater resistance to its legislative agenda.
Republicans are also fighting to maintain control of the Senate, which plays a central role in confirming presidential nominees and considering legislation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed confidence that Republicans can overcome the historical challenges facing the president’s party during midterm elections.
But Democrats are making an aggressive final push of their own, with prominent party figures campaigning in competitive races across the country.
The November 3 results will help determine the balance of power in Washington for the final two years of Trump’s presidency. Fox News+1
Trump’s Final Push Begins
Trump’s Sunday appearances will offer one of his last opportunities to address voters before Election Day.
His decision to return to Iowa and Kansas illustrates the importance Republicans are placing on states that have historically been reliable territory for the party.
For the president, the election represents an opportunity to demonstrate continued support for his administration’s agenda.
For congressional Republicans, the immediate objective is maintaining control of Washington.
And with tens of millions of ballots already cast, Trump’s final campaign stops come as the country prepares for a consequential Election Day.
