NewsABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)October 27, 2026San Francisco County
President Donald Trump campaigns in deep-red states to defend Republican congressional majorities ahead of midterms
Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)
President Donald Trump and administration officials are traveling to traditionally Republican states to rally support for GOP candidates as Democrats challenge majorities ahead of the midterms. The campaign schedule includes multiple visits to Texas, Mississippi, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Iowa amidst tight polling in several races. Meanwhile, candidates from both parties are focusing on issues ranging from economic concerns and healthcare to foreign policy and cultural topics.
Read the full story at ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)Why It Matters
The outcome of these closely watched midterm races will determine which political party controls Congress, directly shaping federal policymaking and legislative priorities.
Key Facts
- President Donald Trump has made 20 campaign stops in historically safe Republican states and six in battleground states since Sept. 9.
- Vice President JD Vance and other administration officials, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Speaker Mike Johnson, are participating in the campaign push.
- Polling in Texas shows Democratic state Rep. James Talarico with 48% support and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton with 44% support.
- In Mississippi, GOP Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is facing Democratic district attorney Scott Colom.
- Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall is in a tight race against Democratic challenger Rev. Adam Hamilton.
- ABC News shifted Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District race between Democrat Rebecca Cooke and GOP incumbent Derrick Van Orden from 'toss-up' to 'lean Democrat.'
- In Iowa, Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek is running against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson for an open Senate seat.
- President Trump's approval rating reached a record low of 33% in a recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, with about 7 in 10 Americans citing concerns over gas prices and the direction of the country.
Who's Mentioned
PersonDonald Trump“President of the United States traveling to campaign for GOP candidates”PersonAdam Hamilton“Democratic Reverend running for Senate in Kansas”PersonJosh Turek“Iowa Democratic Senate candidate and state lawmaker”PersonRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health and Human Services Secretary campaigning for Republicans”PersonJD Vance“Vice President scheduled for campaign rallies”PersonRoger Marshall“Republican incumbent U.S. Senator in Kansas”PersonJames Talarico“Texas Democratic state Representative”PersonZach Lahn“Iowa Republican gubernatorial candidate”PersonKen Paxton“Republican Attorney General of Texas”PersonOren Oppenheim“ABC News reporter”PersonMike Johnson“Speaker of the House headlining rallies”PersonCindy Hyde-Smith“GOP U.S. Senator defending her seat in Mississippi”PersonScott Colom“Democratic candidate and district attorney running in Mississippi”PersonRebecca Cooke“Democratic candidate in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District”PersonJoni Ernst“Outgoing GOP U.S. Senator in Iowa”PersonDerrick Van Orden“GOP incumbent Representative in Wisconsin”PersonAshley Hinson“Republican Representative running for Senate in Iowa”PersonZach Nunn“GOP incumbent Representative in Iowa”