President Donald Trump continues to rally voters in the closing days before the 2026 midterm elections, along with lawmakers battling for control of Congress and candidates in 39 gubernatorial contests.
The pace of early voting is higher than in the last midterm in 2022, according to the University of Florida Election Lab, suggesting keen interest in congressional and state elections, even without a presidential contest. The campaign could be the most expensive ever, at a projected $11.6 billion, compared with $11.2 billion in the 2024 presidential cycle, according to AdImpact, which tracks broadcast advertising.
Trump has invited voters at rallies across the country − including his Iowa and Kansas stops on Sunday − to pretend he's on the ballot.
But while he promotes tax cuts and manufacturing growth spurred by his tariffs on foreign imports, he faces his lowest job approval rating because of high gas prices and the lingering war in Iran.
Congressional races are important because just a few seats could tip control of the House, which Republicans lead with a 218-214 majority, and the Senate, where they have a 53-47 majority. Democrats have threatened to investigate the Trump administration if they regain control of either chamber, and they could thwart Trump’s legislative agenda. If Democrats won the Senate, they could also block the president’s top nominees.
All House seats and more than a third of the Senate is on the ballot on Nov. 3.
Trump rallying voters in Kansas and Iowa
07:32 AM ET, November 1 2026, Bart JansenTrump will be rallying in Kansas and Iowa on Nov. 1.
In Kansas, Trump supports GOP Sen. Roger Marshall against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton, who has pulled ahead in recent polls.
In Iowa, Trump supports Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson against Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek in the race to succeed GOP Sen. Joni Ernst.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Live election news: Trump rallies are back on as midterms near
