WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is scheduled to campaign in Alabama and Oklahoma next week, focusing on two of the most Republican states. The itinerary marks a shift from his earlier vow to visit 35 competitive races in the final weeks before the November midterm elections.
Trump’s rallies are scheduled for Thursday in Durant, Oklahoma, and Friday in Mobile, Alabama. The choice of these red destinations highlights challenges Republicans face, with some party members spending campaign funds in states previously considered safe.
Organizers for the rallies said these locations have media markets that span state lines, aiming to boost broader voter turnout. Durant, Oklahoma, borders Texas and is near the Dallas-Fort Worth media market. The Republican National Committee said it will draw voters from Texas.
Texas is a critical state where Attorney General Ken Paxton, backed by Trump, is in a tight race against Democrat James Talarico. Gov. Greg Abbott also faces a stronger challenge than expected from Democrat Gina Hinojosa. Mobile, Alabama, is adjacent to Florida’s panhandle, a Republican stronghold.
Trump’s travel schedule points to growing concerns among Republican donors and operatives. Multiple independent reports indicate the party is shoring up its own territory during rising voter anger over high costs and mass deportations, which has created openings for Democrats.
Some Republicans have begun distancing themselves from the president in recent weeks. These candidates have removed or downplayed references to Trump on their campaign websites and increasingly voiced opposition to his war with Iran.
Despite these efforts, Trump’s rallies are expected to draw large, enthusiastic crowds of his core supporters. Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said Trump’s ability to “engage with and activate low-propensity voters is unmatched.” She confirmed he will be “barnstorming the country to activate the voters we need to win in November,” with more October rallies planned.
Democrats see Trump’s itinerary as a sign of Republican weakness. Viet Shelton, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said the “political floor is falling out from underneath Trump and Congressional Republicans.” Shelton said this forces them “to scramble to spend and campaign in red territory in the final weeks.”
Trump has sought to make the campaign season centered “all about himself.” His decision to campaign in reliably Republican states, rather than competitive districts, highlights his unpopularity in other parts of the country. This factor is shaping the Republican Party’s strategy as the midterms approach.
