Trump Targets Red States in Midterm Rallies, Drawing Criticism and Defense

With the midterm elections mere weeks away, President Donald Trump has announced campaign stops in states that heavily favor the Republican Party, a decision that has ignited scrutiny from critics who believe his efforts should be concentrated in competitive battleground areas.

According to the Republican National Committee, Trump will headline a “Midterm Rally” on Thursday, Oct. 1, in Durant, Oklahoma, followed by an event in Mobile, Alabama, on Friday, Oct. 2. Both locations are in districts that are considered solidly Republican heading into the 2026 cycle.

Durant sits within Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat held by Rep. Josh Brecheen that Trump won by more than 50 points in 2024. Similarly, Mobile is part of Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, which was redrawn after the mid-decade census to lean heavily Republican. Although Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures represents a neighboring district that formerly included part of Mobile, ABC News race ratings indicate the area now favors GOP candidates, while statewide races in Alabama remain securely Republican.

Despite focusing on these safe seats, Trump is also scheduled to visit Ohio, Iowa, and Nebraska later in October. These states voted for him in 2024 but are currently hosting tighter Senate contests. In the Oval Office on Monday, Trump defended his itinerary by praising the “great people” running in those races and criticizing their Democratic opponents.

Republicans argue the strategy is designed to energize a base that may be wavering due to economic concerns. Ryan Mahoney, a Georgia-based GOP strategist, told ABC News that some Republican voters are disenchanted with the president because of the high cost of living. He noted that while there are plenty of solid-red areas where base enthusiasm is low, the GOP should ideally prioritize competitive races.

RNC National Press Secretary Natalie Baldassarre stated on Newsmax that the party has ample resources and cash on hand, emphasizing that the goal is to drive voter turnout. An RNC official further suggested the rallies could boost Republican performance in neighboring media markets in Texas and Florida, where the party is defending Senate seats and governorships.

However, Democrats and political analysts have questioned the logic. Doug Jones, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Alabama, argued on MS NOW that the visits signal Republican anxiety. “We’re scaring the hell out of them,” Jones said. “They think Alabama’s a firewall. Now they’ve got to protect a firewall. Well, it’s not a firewall anymore.”

Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, called the Oklahoma and Alabama events “head-scratchers,” questioning why the president would not simply travel to Texas and Florida directly if media market reach were the objective. Kondik also expressed doubt that Trump’s presence would effectively mobilize voters who have drifted away from the party.

The debate also touches on Trump’s personal approval ratings. A recent CNN poll showed only 33% of Americans approve of his performance, with 67% disapproving. Political historian Matthew Dallek suggested this “toxic” brand may explain why Trump is avoiding competitive districts. Nevertheless, Dallek noted that Trump possesses a unique ability to activate non-traditional voters when he appears on the ballot.

Historically, sitting presidents have often retreated to friendly territory during midterm cycles. Dallek pointed to Barack Obama’s 2010 rallies in Los Angeles and Maryland, as well as George W. Bush’s 2006 appearances in Indiana and Georgia, as precedents for Trump’s approach. “When they are unpopular in midterm elections, to the extent they travel, they go to their base,” Dallek observed.