Trump vows to hit campaign trail for Republicans in 35 races ahead of midterms

WASHINGTON, DC: On Wednesday, Sept 2, President Trump told Republican lawmakers that he’ll hit the road for about 35 key House and Senate races during the last month before the 2026 midterms. He mentioned he wants to repeat the aggressive travel schedule he used in his 2024 campaign.

Trump said he’s saving his campaign push for the final stretch because if he shows up too early, people will have forgotten by the time they vote. He’s convinced the timing matters.

Specific races already on the list

"I'm going to go to every one of those 35 places, and we're going to see if we can get everyone elected," Trump said.

He also distinguished lawmakers who need the help and those who don't, joking with the room. "Some of you guys are leading by so much, please don't make me go to your area," he said. "If you're leading by 40 points and you've been there for 25 years, like the speaker, he leads by 42 points, and he has it made. Please don't ask me to come to your area and make a speech, right?"

Trump listed a few races he's planning to show up for himself. He mentioned Sen Dan Sullivan’s reelection fight in Alaska against Democrat Mary Peltola, and the open Senate race in Texas, where Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico.

During his remarks, Trump couldn't resist taking a swipe at one of Sullivan’s rivals, someone who actually shares Sullivan’s name.

Besides traveling to key states, Trump said he'll rely a lot on tele-town halls. He called them “fantastic,” saying he’s ready to hold up to ten in one night to boost GOP congressional campaigns.

A difficult midterm landscape

Republicans are walking into the midterms unsure of what’s ahead, and Trump’s pledge couldn’t come at a more critical moment.

At a private dinner on Wednesday, lawmakers quietly hoped Trump would dip into his $403 million campaign war chest to support their campaigns.

The dinner came just a week ahead of the Republican National Convention in Dallas, where Trump is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.

Republican strategists are worried. Their base just isn't as fired up as the Democrats, at least judging by recent polls. Democrats keep showing up strong, both in special elections and in primaries.

So, GOP leaders are doubling down on a familiar play: leaning on Trump. They're counting on his popularity with core supporters and his ability to rake in cash to rally their side as election day gets closer.

The plan is simple: get Trump deeply involved in key races, hoping his presence and momentum can counteract the bigger challenges facing the party this November.