MONTGOMERY, Alabama (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced plans to campaign in 35 competitive battleground districts leading up to the November midterm elections. However, he will start his October campaign in Alabama and Oklahoma, two states with strong Republican support. His events are expected to attract large crowds, but they also highlight his declining popularity in various regions of the country during this election cycle.
Trump is scheduled to hold rallies in Durant, Oklahoma, and Mobile, Alabama, next week. While organizers claim these locations are strategically chosen to reach broader media markets, they also reflect the challenges facing Republican candidates as they navigate an electorate that has become increasingly discontented with Trump and his policies.
Some Republican candidates have distanced themselves from Trump in recent weeks, attempting to appeal to a wider voter base. This includes downplaying references to the president on their campaign materials and expressing opposition to his policies, such as his stance on the war with Iran.
Despite this, Trump's rallies are likely to attract his core supporters, which he aims to energize as he seeks to rally Republican voters. "The President's ability to engage with and activate low-propensity voters is unmatched. That's why he'll be barnstorming the country to activate the voters we need to win in November," said Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre, who indicated that more rallies are planned for October.
Democrats have reacted positively to Trump's campaign strategy, with Viet Shelton, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, stating, "The political floor is falling out from underneath Trump and Congressional Republicans, forcing them to scramble to spend and campaign in deep red territory in the final weeks."
The RNC noted that Durant, Oklahoma, is located near the Texas border and is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth media market, which could help draw Republican voters from Texas. In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton, who Trump endorsed, is in a competitive race against Democrat James Talarico, while Governor Greg Abbott faces a strong challenge from Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Mobile, Alabama, is adjacent to Florida's panhandle, a Republican stronghold, where high turnout could benefit Trump-backed candidates in Senate and gubernatorial races. However, Florida Republican Senator Ashley Moody is not expected to attend the rally.
In Oklahoma, Trump will support Mike Mazzei, the Republican nominee for governor, who is facing Democratic House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson in a competitive race. Kevin Donohoe, spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, expressed concerns about the competitiveness of this race.
Alabama has a historical connection to Trump, who held a significant rally in Mobile over a decade ago, drawing approximately 30,000 attendees. John Wahl, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, stated that it is natural for Trump to hold a rally in Alabama as the midterm elections approach.
Although Republicans are favored in Alabama's statewide races, the political landscape is more challenging this year. Former Democratic Senator Doug Jones is campaigning for governor against Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Trump ally. Republican Representative Barry Moore, who is running for Tuberville's Senate seat with Trump's endorsement, described the rally as essential for their campaign's success.
Mobile is also near Alabama's 2nd Congressional District, which leans Republican but is not guaranteed for the party, as Democratic Representative Shomari Figures faces a challenge from Trump-backed State Representative Rhett Marques.
Trump has committed to increasing his campaign efforts in the final weeks leading up to the elections, stating, "It's all about 35 races," during a recent dinner with Republican lawmakers. "I'm going to go to every one of those 35 places and we're going to see if we can get everyone elected."