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Trump crosses country in bid to save midterms

Oct 13, 2026, 4:22pm EDT
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US President Donald Trump
Evan Vucci/Reuters

President Donald Trump is ramping up his midterm travel this week, hitting five states as he looks to boost GOP base turnout ahead of a likely tough election night for Republicans.

The president has hit the road almost daily this month, holding rallies in a host of states — including Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Georgia, and Kentucky this week alone. All of his stops were targeted to reach media markets in races that Republicans view as competitive, per a GOP official, including an Ohio House race near the Kentucky border.

Trump’s goal remains persuading his loyalists to turn out in an election where he isn’t on the ballot.

He’s not alone in the turbocharged itinerary; Vice President JD Vance stopped in Texas earlier today to tout GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who’s in a neck-and-neck battle against Democrat James Talarico. Vance used his visit to tout new Defense Production Act-related spending by the administration on a Texas refinery.

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