Trump Campaigns in Iowa and Kansas as 50 Million Vote Early

Approximately 50 million Americans cast ballots before election day, setting the stage for a tightly contested Senate race in two traditionally Republican states. President Donald Trump spent the weekend campaigning in Iowa and Kansas, where both parties view the outcomes as critical for maintaining or shifting the balance of power.

In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton holds a five-point lead over Republican incumbent Roger Marshall, according to New York Times polling. This result threatens to end a nearly century long streak of Republican representation in the U.S. Senate from that state. Marshall released a closing argument video on Sunday to address criticism regarding his medical practices. His staff reportedly preferred to keep the video private and expressed concern that it might have backfired.

The race in Iowa remains neck and neck. Trump addressed questions about Republican candidate Ashley Hinson’s physical appearance during a campaign stop. He stated, “I knew Ashley for a long time and she was a little bit heavier.” He added that Hinson understood the importance of the race and put herself in shape, noting, “She’s in perfect shape.” Trump also mentioned that Hinson asked him not to bring up the topic.

Democrats require a net gain of four Senate seats to regain control of the chamber. Both parties see substantial value in securing victories in these specific races. The campaigns in Iowa and Kansas are now central to the national strategy as voting concludes.