Trump Encourages GOP Voters to Participate in Midterm Elections

President Donald Trump urged Republican voters on August 21, 2026, to participate in the upcoming special primary runoff for Sen. Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC) and other key races in the midterm elections. Speaking in Myrtle Beach, Trump emphasized the importance of voter turnout, suggesting that supporters should treat the election as if he were on the ballot. He acknowledged a challenge for Republicans: the difficulty in mobilizing his supporters when he is not a candidate. Trump stated, “The problem we have is they say that Trump does great when he’s on the ballot, but when he’s not on the ballot, his people don’t come and they don’t vote for senators, congressmen, and other Republicans.” He further expanded his message, asserting, “I am on the ballot. We’re all on the ballot. Our country’s on the ballot. You have to get out.” This appeal highlights the ongoing challenge for the Republican Party to ensure that Trump’s voter base remains engaged in elections where he is not directly running. Historically, Trump has shown a strong ability to draw voters, having won the presidency in 2016 and campaigning for the 2024 election after a narrow loss in 2020. However, the GOP has faced difficulties in replicating his electoral success in other races. The party lost control of the House in the 2018 midterm elections, while regaining it in 2022 with a narrow majority despite low approval ratings for then-President Joe Biden. Trump's comments reflect his awareness of the potential consequences of Democratic control of Congress on his policies.