President Donald Trump spent the weekend on the campaign trail in the Midwest, holding rallies in Dubuque, Iowa, and Salina, Kansas. The stops come as Republican candidates in both states fight to retain a narrow Senate majority and protect the GOP’s fragile hold on the U.S. House.
Iowa rally focuses on Senate and House races
In Dubuque, Trump addressed supporters while Republicans work to hold a critical Senate seat and the governor’s office. The 2nd Congressional District, which includes Dubuplex, has become competitive as the party seeks to preserve its slim House majority. Trump told the crowd, “We’re going to elect ‘America First’ Republicans up and down the line,” signaling confidence in a GOP sweep on Election Day.
Kansas rally targets a historic Senate challenge
Trump’s next stop was Salina, Kansas, where Democrat Adam Hamilton is mounting a strong bid to become the first Kansas Democrat to win a Senate seat in 94 years. The President’s appearance is intended to energize the base and counter growing concerns about the impact of tariffs and other administration policies on Midwestern voters.
Local reactions and party dynamics
Dubuque resident Jon Lutz, a 60‑year‑old civil engineer, said he has followed Trump’s messages for years and wants Republicans to keep control of Congress so the administration’s agenda can move forward. “He’s done what he’s said he’s going to do,” Lutz said.
In Burlington, 44‑year‑old Wendy Kuenzler, attending her first Trump rally, noted that Iowa is at a crossroads with several competitive races. While she does not blame rising gas and grocery prices on the President, she believes “he’s on the path to correcting it.”
Democratic challenges in neighboring states
Across the border in Michigan, Democrats face internal disputes as former primary opponent Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers after a Democratic event invitation was withdrawn. Party leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, emphasized unity behind incumbent Abdul El‑Sayed.
Republican leadership weighs the midterm outlook
Outgoing Rep. Don Bacon warned that tariffs are unpopular in the Midwest and could weigh on the GOP’s prospects. Senate Republican leader Tim Scott expressed optimism, stating there is “no doubt” that the midterms are about President Trump’s agenda and that Republicans are poised to keep the Senate.
With more than 52 million votes already cast, the rallies underscore the Trump administration’s view that the November elections are a referendum on its second term. The President concluded his weekend with a Halloween‑themed gathering at Mar‑a‑Llago, asserting, “The country has never done better.”
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
