Fewer than a third of candidates got Trump’s promised swing district blitz as he’s going to very red states

A pledge, then a different route

The White House has not clarified which 35 places Trump meant. Since the dinner, he has campaigned with fewer than a third of the candidates, and his travel has leaned toward Republican territory rather than swing states and districts.

Rallies in Republican territory

Trump’s October schedule has included Ohio and Texas twice each, as well as Oklahoma and Tennessee. He has described visits to states he won decisively two years ago as a way to thank supporters and help candidates.

“What the hell am I doing in Tennessee?” Trump asked during a rally, drawing cheers. He has also complained about lower Republican turnout in elections when he is not on the ballot, and his team is using rallies to encourage supporters to vote as though he were running.

Close races need a boost

Trump flew to Alaska to campaign for Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich, whose races are close, despite Trump winning the state by 13 points in 2024. He said the trip was worth the eight-hour flight each way; on the return route, he made two additional stops and stayed overnight at his hotel in Las Vegas.

The Republican National Committee has announced a Monday campaign stop in Kansas, where the U.S. Senate race is rated a toss-up. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said the effort is about getting the party’s base to vote, arguing that putting Trump before supporters can help turnout.

North Carolina uncertainty

Trump is scheduled to campaign Tuesday in Greenville, North Carolina, for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley. Republican campaign committees have begun canceling ad reservations intended to support Whatley, a sign they believe the race may be moving out of reach.

A congressional district in eastern North Carolina was redrawn to favor Republicans as part of Trump’s mid-decade redistricting push. It was expected to be uncompetitive, but the Cook Political Report now rates it a toss-up.