25 rallies: Trump pushes for 'pretend' ballot presence in final 2026 midterm push
The president held over 25 events in October, asking voters to treat his off-year candidates as a referendum on his legacy.
By Idris Robinson ·
President Donald Trump stood before a crowd in South Carolina and declared that voters would never see rallies like these again. He was there to support two Senate candidates he personally selected, Darline Graham in South Carolina and Michael Whatley in North Carolina. Both have struggled to build momentum among Republican voters. Trump’s recent campaign schedule reflects a final push to influence the November 3 election before his term ends.
The president held more than 25 rallies in October alone. Most took place in red states where Republicans face stiff opposition. While the official goal is to help these candidates win, the events also serve as a farewell tour for a president who will not appear on the ballot. Trump asked supporters to act as if he were running. He told a crowd in Greenville, North Carolina, to pretend he is on the ballot because opponents want to undo his policies, including tax cuts and border measures.
Trump’s speeches blended familiar themes with new material. He frequently praised tariffs, calling the word his fifth favorite after previously naming it his top choice. He also repeated a joke about Ohio Senator Jon Husted’s physique. Trump claimed the bit helped Husted’s polling, stating the senator went up 12 points on the day the joke was delivered. He later suggested Texas candidate Ken Paxton’s body might not qualify for the same treatment.
The president’s campaign promises include a $5,000 dividend for American adults if Republicans win both chambers of Congress. He joked that the money would only buy a hamburger and a small dessert at his Mar-a-Lago resort. This comment highlighted the tension between his message and the affordability concerns driving voters this year. Supporters remain engaged despite the unconventional framing.
Fans have made long trips to attend the events. Blake Marnell, a San Diego resident known as the “Brick Suit” fan, took October off work to travel from rally to rally. He described the experience as comparable to a cruise. Cindy New from Emerald Isle, North Carolina, said she voted for Trump three times but had never seen him live. She attended the Greenville rally specifically to see him before his political presence fades.
Valerie Thivierge, a store owner in Fort Myers, Florida, closed her business to attend a rally there. She said seeing the president is a central part of her life. Trump said he continues the grueling schedule because of the crowds. He noted that standing for two hours is not easy but that the rooms are full of love. He cited the energy of the supporters as his primary motivation.
Scheduling changes have marked the final days of the campaign. The Republican National Committee initially announced that Trump would cancel two in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas. They planned to replace them with tele-rallies. Less than 24 hours later, the in-person events were restored. Both rallies were set for Sunday, with a source saying Trump would hold them back-to-back. The RNC said he would also participate in nearly 20 tele-rallies.
Trump closed a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, by telling supporters that 11 years of working together had been unique. He urged the crowd to win on November 3. In a final address in Daytona Beach, Florida, he acknowledged the physical toll of the campaign. He stated his voice was operating at about 49.2% after 28 consecutive days of speaking.
Source: Wyoming Public Media
