Trump targets Iowa and Kansas as Republicans defend House and Senate leads

President Donald Trump is returning to the campaign trail for two final stops in Iowa and Kansas.

The visits take place as Republican candidates in both states work to retain control of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. Trump’s first appearance is set for Sunday afternoon in Dubuque, Iowa. In that district, Republicans are competing to keep a key Senate seat and the governorship. The 2nd Congressional District, which includes Dubuque, has also become a tight race as the party tries to protect its slim majority in the lower chamber.

Trump plans to end the final weekend of campaigning with an event in Salina, Kansas. Adam Hamilton is running to become the first Democrat from Kansas to win a Senate seat in 94 years. More than 52 million votes had already been cast by the time of the announcement. The schedule marks a return to the president’s regular rally format after a one-day pause on Saturday. Republicans had initially canceled these two stops before quickly rescheduling them to help preserve the party’s Senate majority.

The current strategy differs from the 2024 presidential race. During that election, Trump focused on flipping states that had supported former President Joe Biden in 2020. This year, the campaign is centered on states where the Republican Party has historically held strong majorities. Voters in those areas are questioning the economic effects of new tariffs and the conflict in Iran. These concerns have aided Democratic efforts to reclaim congressional seats.

Democrats face their own challenges in holding existing positions. In Michigan, the party is trying to keep a crucial Senate seat. Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed is spending the final days of the campaign in a public dispute with Rep. Haley Stevens, a primary opponent. The feud has raised concerns about division within the party as election day approaches.

The midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday. Trump’s itinerary concludes the active campaigning period for the final weekend before that date. The results will determine the balance of power in both chambers of Congress for the next two years.