Trump Heads to Ohio, Alaska to Boost Close GOP Races
President Donald Trump rallied in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday for Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Several Republican races in states Trump carried in 2024 are close.
- 3 points: Democrat Sherrod Brown's lead over Husted in the polling average.
- 4 points: Ramaswamy's deficit to Democrat Amy Acton in FiftyPlusOne's average.
- Recent Alaska polls show Democrat Mary Peltola narrowly ahead of Sullivan.
- Trump also campaigned for Husted and Ramaswamy in Vandalia in early October.
Why it matters: Ohio became reliably Republican after 2016, and Republicans are now spending presidential time defending it. The party is trying to hold its House and Senate majorities.
- $3.87: average Ohio gas price Monday, per AAA, with diesel above $6.
- Trump has urged supporters to act as if he is on the ballot.
How 10 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage divides on whether the Ohio trip shows Republicans on defense or Republicans building momentum.
Left coverage, 3 sources: The left sees repeated Ohio stops as evidence that Republicans are playing defense amid frustration over prices and the war with Iran.
Right coverage, 4 sources: The right sees a president drawing large crowds and pushing GOP candidates through close races, though one outlet notes weak approval and economic mood.
What’s next: Trump rallies in Alaska on Tuesday for Sullivan, a two-term incumbent.
- In Montana, Republican Kurt Alme leads in the race for retiring Sen. Steve Daines' seat.
- Arizona has no Senate race, but several House Republicans face tight contests.
- Will Trump's rallies turn out supporters who usually skip midterm elections?
- Did Husted and Ramaswamy gain after the Vandalia rally, as Trump claimed on Truth Social?
