Early Vote Up 30% in Iowa and Kansas as Trump Adds Rallies
The president reversed a cancellation decision to campaign in two Senate battlegrounds, citing requests from local allies.
By Tunde Bailey ·
Americans cast nearly 10 million more ballots five days before Election Day than at the same point in 2022, according to an Associated Press analysis. This surge in early voting is driving President Donald Trump to adjust his campaign schedule in key Senate races.
The president will hold back-to-back rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Sunday. These events were previously canceled in favor of a series of telerallies. Trump said he received calls from allies in those states who argued an in-person appearance would be more effective than a phone rally.
Early voting is up roughly 30% in both Iowa and Kansas compared to the same period four years ago. These states are home to competitive Senate races that will determine if Republicans maintain their narrow majority. In Kansas, Republican Sen. Roger Marshall is seeking reelection against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton.
Trump initially planned a 72-hour sprint of phone rallies to reach more voters nationwide. His schedule shifted multiple times on Friday. The Iowa stop moved from Dubuque to Cedar Rapids and then back to Dubuque hours later. The Republican National Committee confirmed the final itinerary for both states.
The president has headlined 25 rallies so far in October. He promised a marathon sprint of events at the start of the month to support Republican candidates. Both parties believe the high turnout favors their respective sides as they compete for control of Congress.
In other battleground states, early voting trends are also strong. Texas has seen a 50% increase, with 6.3 million Texans voting early as of Wednesday. South Carolina, which is electing a successor to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, reports an 83% rise in advance voting.
Trump dismissed concerns about his health or fatigue regarding the initial schedule changes. He told a Kansas City radio station that Marshall is fantastic and credited the senator for pushing policies benefiting Kansas farmers. He criticized Hamilton as a radical who has caused turmoil within the church.
Democrats and Republicans are spending historic amounts of money in this midterm cycle. Republicans are focused on driving turnout despite voter dissatisfaction with the president and high costs. The final weekend will feature intense campaigning in these critical states.
