Trump and Vance campaign in Republican strongholds ahead of midterms
Donald Trump and JD Vance campaigned in Texas, Oklahoma and Florida as Republicans sought to strengthen enthusiasm before the midterm elections. Their appearances came amid party concerns about difficult races and weak public approval of Trump’s handling of living costs and the economy.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have begun a campaign drive through heavily Republican areas as their party prepares for next month’s midterm elections. Trump visited Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday, launching what he described as a 32-day campaign effort before the November 3 vote. Vance campaigned in Florida, where Republican candidates are facing more difficult contests than previously expected.
At an event in Denton, Texas, Trump said his commitment to the campaign was strong. Later, at a rally in Durant, Oklahoma, he acknowledged concern about several states, including Texas and Michigan, and said the election involved 35 contests. The visits came as Republicans expressed pessimism about their prospects.
An AP-NORC poll found that 17% of US adults approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 26% approved of his handling of the economy. The figures represented a new low for his economic approval in the poll. Trump blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for inflation and said his administration was bringing prices down.
He also said Republicans might be failing to communicate their achievements effectively. The Democratic National Committee accused Trump and Vance of trying to rally their base as Republicans faced defeat. In Texas, Trump campaigned alongside Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the Senate against Democratic state Representative James Talarico.
Trump said Paxton was needed, although he did not invite him to speak on stage. In Oklahoma, Trump backed Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei against Democratic state House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson. A Republican strategy source said the president would be sent to areas where his presence was expected to help candidates, but not where it might hurt them.
Trump is scheduled to campaign in Alabama as part of the travel push. The midterm elections will determine control of Congress.
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