In the final days before the November 3 election, President Donald Trump hit the campaign trail in two crucial battlegrounds: Texas and Ohio. The president’s stops were aimed at energizing the Republican base and drawing support for candidates in races that could determine control of the U.S. Senate and several state offices.
Texas: defending the attorney general seat
In Texas, Trump campaigned for incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing Democrat James Talarico. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, the president said, “On election night, Texas will prove that America does not belong to those who hate it. America belongs to those who love it, and the only choice for proud patriots of Texas is the greatest attorney general in the history of your state.” The rally highlighted Paxton’s record on law‑and‑order and his opposition to what Trump described as “anti‑American” policies.
Ohio: Senate and governor races in focus
Trump’s Ohio itinerary included a stop in Columbus, where he addressed supporters ahead of the Senate contest between Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Sen. Jon Husted. Recent polling cited in the source shows the race tightening, suggesting a competitive environment that could shift the Senate balance.
While in Ohio, the president also touched on the governor’s race, where Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has drawn criticism for an advertisement featuring the estranged mother of his opponent, Amy Acton. The ad, which references a tragic family history, sparked controversy. When asked about the ad, Trump said, “Amy Acton’s mother said horrible things about Amy Acton and she’s fair game,” defending the campaign’s aggressive tactics.
Controversy surrounding the Acton ad
Acton, who is the former Ohio health director, responded in a recent interview, describing the personal pain of seeing her mother after a childhood marked by her father’s indictment for rape. She noted that the last time she saw her mother was at age twelve in a courthouse, underscoring the deeply personal nature of the political attack.
Voter turnout expectations
An Associated Press analysis referenced in the source notes that voter turnout is projected to be higher than in the 2022 midterms across many states. The analysis suggests that the heightened enthusiasm on both sides could be decisive, especially in swing districts where Trump’s presence is intended to boost Republican turnout.
President Trump’s message to voters
Throughout both stops, Trump emphasized a narrative of patriotism versus hostility, urging voters to choose candidates who “love America.” He framed the upcoming election as a moral choice, aligning his campaign appearances with the broader Republican effort to retain Senate control and secure key state offices.
What’s next for the campaign
With less than a week remaining, the Trump administration’s travel schedule underscores the importance the party places on these races. The president’s rallies are expected to continue in other swing districts, aiming to solidify support among “proud patriots” and to counteract criticism from Democratic opponents.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
