Trump adds Iowa and Kansas rallies as early votes jump 30%
The president reversed earlier plans for phone-in events to campaign in person for Senate races in two critical Midwest states.
By Nadia Singh ·
President Donald Trump is adding stops to Iowa and Kansas this weekend, reversing his earlier decision to hold only phone rallies. He will appear in Dubuque, Iowa, and Salina, Kansas, on Sunday for back-to-back events. The change comes as early voting numbers surge across the country.
Trump explained the shift on Friday, saying he received calls from friends in those states. He noted that they told him he would be more effective in person than through a telerally. The Republican National Committee confirmed the new schedule after a period of uncertainty earlier in the week.
Originally, Trump planned to campaign in Salina on Saturday and Dubuque on Sunday. Those in-person stops were canceled in favor of a 72-hour sprint of phone rallies designed to reach a wider audience. On Friday, his Iowa appearance was briefly moved to Cedar Rapids before returning to Dubuque. A person familiar with the planning described the schedule as being in flux until the final confirmation.
The timing aligns with a major increase in early ballots. According to an Associated Press analysis, nearly 10 million more Americans had cast votes five days before Election Day compared to the same point in 2022. The rise is most pronounced in states with competitive Senate races. In Iowa and Kansas, early voting is up by roughly 30% from four years ago.
Both parties believe this surge could influence the outcome of the midterms. Republicans are trying to hold their narrow Senate majority, while Democrats aim to flip control of Congress. The election has centered on affordability and the president’s unpopularity. Trump has already held 25 rallies in October to support his party’s candidates.
In Kansas, Trump is backing Senator Roger Marshall, who is seeking reelection. He called Marshall fantastic and credited him for pushing administration policies that help Kansas farmers, such as expanding the use of tax-free red-dyed diesel. Trump also criticized Marshall’s Democratic opponent, Adam Hamilton, describing him as a radical who has caused turmoil in the church.
In Iowa, the race involves Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson, who currently serves in the House. Trump visited both states earlier this month to boost their respective candidates. The high volume of early voting continues as millions of Americans cast ballots ahead of Tuesday’s general election.
