Trump adds Iowa and Kansas rallies as early votes climb
The president reversed a weekend of virtual events to hold in-person rallies in two states where early voting is up 30 percent.
By Lina Lewis ·
President Donald Trump will hold campaign rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Sunday, reversing a decision to rely on remote events. The change places the president in two states with competitive Senate races just days before the November 3 election.
The schedule shift came after Trump received calls from supporters in both states. He told reporters they advised him that an in-person visit would be more effective than a tele-rally. The rallies are scheduled in Dubuque, Iowa, and Salina, Kansas.
Originally, the president planned to visit Salina on Saturday and Dubuque on Sunday. That plan was scrapped in favor of a three-day series of phone-in rallies organized by the Republican National Committee. The RNC later confirmed the return to in-person stops in both states.
Early voting numbers have risen sharply compared to the 2022 midterm election. An Associated Press analysis shows nearly 10 million more Americans had cast ballots five days before this year’s election than at the same point in 2022. In Iowa and Kansas, early voting is up roughly 30 percent.
Texas sees the largest absolute increase, with more than 6.3 million early votes cast as of Wednesday. That figure is 50 percent higher than the 4.2 million recorded at the same point four years ago. South Carolina, which is electing a successor to Sen. Lindsey Graham, has seen an 83 percent increase in early voting.
Trump defended his health and energy levels on Thursday. He rejected the idea that fatigue prompted the initial cancellation of his Kansas trip. He stated, “I feel perfect,” and noted that Republican Sen. Roger Marshall is performing well in his reelection bid.
Marshall faces Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton in Kansas. Trump praised Marshall on a radio station Friday, crediting the senator for pushing policies that benefit farmers. He described Hamilton as a “radical” who has caused turmoil within the church due to his liberal views.
In Iowa, Trump is supporting Ashley Hinson, a House member seeking the Senate seat. He has visited both states earlier this month to boost their campaigns. The president has headlined 25 rallies in October, continuing a push to energize Republican voters ahead of the general election.
