Trump scraps Kansas and Iowa rallies for virtual telerallies before the midterms

A last-minute switch

On Thursday, 29 October, the Republican National Committee said President Donald Trump would drop two in-person campaign rallies in Iowa and Kansas planned for the coming weekend. The party argued that Republicans are doing well enough in both states that Trump no longer needs to visit to shore up support. In their place, the RNC unveiled a slate of virtual "tele-rallies", which RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said would reach more voters than on-the-ground stops. The Washington Post, citing four people with knowledge of the plans, reported that the length of a Kansas trip over the final weekend also weighed on the decision, and that campaigns in several states had pressed for in-person events.

“With Republicans in a strong position in Kansas and Iowa, previously planned in-person rallies in those states will no longer take place as scheduled.”

Trump's remaining public schedule still includes a rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday, 30 October, which was set to proceed as planned. The Washington Post also reported that a visit to Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday, 1 November, remained on his calendar.

The Kansas event and the Senate race

The canceled Kansas appearance was to take place at Salina Regional Airport on Saturday, 31 October, in support of Republican Sen. Roger Marshall. Marshall is locked in a close race with Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton, a pastor, and the Washington Post reported that Marshall trails in some polls. Trump will instead hold a telerally for Marshall, and it is unclear whether the Kansas event will be rescheduled. Pieter Miller, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority, said all Salina events were canceled because of the president's schedule.

Protesters repeatedly interrupted Trump's previous appearance in the state, and at least 11 people were escorted out of the Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City that night. Back in Washington, Trump lashed out at a reporter who asked whether he was dropping the Kansas event because he was sick of traveling, telling the reporter:

“I feel perfect. You are disgusting.”

Polls and control of Congress

Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers, with 53 of the 100 Senate seats and 218 of the 435 House seats. All House seats are on the ballot on 3 November, along with about a third of the Senate, where senators serve six-year terms staggered across election years. Whichever party takes control will shape the legislative agenda over the final two years of Trump's second term.

Senate seats held (of 100)53

House seats held (of 435)218

Senate seats held (of 100)

53 seats

House seats held (of 435)

218 seats

Data from the article text

Forecasters have predicted a Democratic advantage this cycle, pointing to Trump's weakening poll numbers and voter anger over living costs, foreign policy and other issues. The New York Times reported that Republican margins in many red states have tightened amid frustration over the war in Iran and the cost of living. Trump has voiced concern that Democrats could push to impeach him a third time if they win majorities in both chambers.

Final stretch

The New York Times reported that Trump has held hours-long rallies for Republican candidates nearly every day for weeks, even as polls show close races in Iowa and Kansas. The party has left room for more virtual events before polling day. A White House official told the Washington Post:

“President Trump will continue connecting directly with Americans nationwide through more than 20 telerallies before Election Day.”

The RNC's announcement described the broadcasts as reaching nearly 20 states, including battlegrounds such as Michigan, Alaska, Texas and Iowa, where Senate races are competitive.