President Donald Trump held a campaign rally Monday in Corinth, Mississippi, to support Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who faces a closely contested race against Democratic nominee Scott Colom. Trump’s visit to a reliably Republican state underscored party concerns about competitive races in traditionally safe districts. The president, addressing supporters with an audibly hoarse voice, emphasized the stakes of the contest. Colom attended the rally to observe Trump supporters and engage with voters, later stating that constituents deserve representation from candidates who listen to their concerns.
Trump’s Mississippi stop launched an intensive week of campaigning in states he won decisively in 2024, including Texas, South Carolina, and Iowa. Officials announced an additional planned rally Saturday in Salina, Kansas, marking his second visit to that state in less than two weeks. Republican officials attributed competitive races partly to widespread voter discontent over inflation, the Iran war, and other aspects of the current administration’s policies. More than 30 million ballots had already been cast according to data collected by The Associated Press from election administrators.
Democratic candidates maintained parallel campaign schedules. Former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Wisconsin with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is competing in the gubernatorial race. Harris characterized the contest as consequential, noting that high stakes contributed to the race’s competitiveness. In Michigan, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed distanced himself from an advertisement created by an independent group linking grocery price increases to U.S. support for Israel, with a campaign spokesperson stating the ad had no affiliation with his campaign.
Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Kansas for Republican Senator Roger Marshall, who faces Democrat Adam Hamilton in a competitive matchup in a state where Democrats have not won a Senate race since 1932. Marshall argued that the election represented a referendum on Trump’s agenda, contending that Democratic control of Congress would obstruct the president’s priorities. Vance also appeared at events in Montana supporting Republican candidates Aaron Flint and Kurt Alme.
Republican officials expressed confidence about the trajectory of their candidates. Senator Tim Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told The Associated Press that GOP candidates were “closing very strongly” in races nationwide, including South Carolina, where Trump planned a second visit within two weeks to campaign for Senator Darline Graham.
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