As Election Day approaches, Donald Trump took the stage in Dubuque, Iowa, for one of his final in-person campaign stops ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. The rallies in Iowa and Kansas, which were temporarily canceled days prior, were hastily rescheduled as the president campaigns in states hosting unexpectedly competitive Senate races.
During his speech, the president predicted a major victory while revisiting familiar campaign themes. The final stretch of the campaign trail has also seen high-stakes political drama unfold across multiple states, impacting races from Michigan to Alaska.
Trump Campaigns in Iowa and Kansas
Donald Trump headlined two final in-person campaign events in Iowa and Kansas following a brief cancellation scare. During his appearance in Dubuque, the president predicted a "tremendous victory on Tuesday" if Republicans secure wins in both the House and the Senate. He repeated a pledge to grant every adult American $5,000 under a Republican sweep, while warning that Democratic victories would lead to a "1929-style economic depression."
Aside from economic warnings, the president used his platform to comment on several Republican candidates. He praised Ashley Hinson, Iowa’s Republican Senate nominee, for her recent weight loss, noting she achieved it "the old-fashioned way." Additionally, Trump criticized Somali populations in Minnesota and Ohio, launching into an anti-Somali tirade and making derogatory remarks about the country of Somalia.
Michigan Senate Race Fallout and Haley Stevens
Political tensions reached a boiling point in Michigan, where Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers. Stevens, who narrowly lost the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed, retaliated against her party after being disinvited from campaign events due to a dispute over a third-party ad.
The endorsement drew immediate, near-universal backlash from Democrats nationwide. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, progressive commentator Hasan Piker, Senator Bernie Sanders, and former Georgia representative Stacey Abrams all condemned the move. Abrams specifically criticized Stevens for using a press conference at a Black church to stand alongside a candidate supporting anti-abortion laws.
Despite the Democratic outrage, Trump praised Stevens on social media and during his rally, welcoming her to potentially join the Republican Party. Meanwhile, Trump leveled Islamophobic insults at El-Sayed during his speech, drawing swift pushback from the Democratic nominee.
Key Developments Across the US Senate Races
Beyond the presidential rallies and the Michigan feud, several other significant developments shaped the final days before the midterms:
- Alaska Senate Race: Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan confirmed to CNN that he would accept the results of Alaska’s Senate race regardless of the outcome, following an alleged ploy by an independent candidate with the same name to siphon votes. A federal judge recently tossed out a Trump administration lawsuit attempting to block certification if Sullivan lost.
- Connecticut Hospitalization: Senator Chris Murphy was hospitalized after experiencing arm numbness during his son’s hockey game. His chief of staff confirmed the senator suffered a stroke, is awake and alert, and is expected to make a full recovery.
- Early Voting Trends: Citizens have been casting ballots in record-breaking numbers, particularly in states with tight Senate races, pointing to high voter engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the midterm elections?
The midterm elections take place on Tuesday.
Why was Haley Stevens condemned by Democrats?
Democrats condemned Rep. Haley Stevens after she endorsed Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers in Michigan following a dispute with her primary opponent, Abdul El-Sayed.
What health update was provided for Senator Chris Murphy?
Senator Chris Murphy’s chief of staff stated that the senator was hospitalized following a stroke, but is awake, alert, and expected to make a full recovery.