President Donald Trump is conducting a final push for the Republican party, holding rallies in Iowa and Kansas as the 2026 midterm elections draw near. These high-stakes contests will determine the balance of power in Congress and influence the effectiveness of the administration's legislative agenda during the second half of his term.

What to expect during the final push?

On Monday, the president is scheduled to participate in a busy series of events to reach voters before Tuesday's polls open. According to the White House, the schedule includes:

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  • Nine tele-rallies broadcast from the White House.
  • Afternoon remarks at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Trump noted during a Sunday rally in Dubuque, Iowa, that the Reflecting Pool is now "finished" and expressed his intent to visit the site to show off its appearance.

Shifts in key battleground races

The midterm elections are being shaped by unexpected developments in critical Senate contests. In Michigan, Representative Haley Stevens, a Democrat, endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. Stevens described the decision as a "weight off my shoulders" following a dispute with Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

While Stevens endorsed the Republican, she stated she intends to vote for Democrats for other offices on the ballot. This shift comes after El-Sayed reportedly disinvited Stevens from a campaign event, following disagreements regarding campaign advertisements.

Monitoring election security

As the country prepares to vote, officials are monitoring potential challenges to the process. California Governor Gavin Newsom has notified federal judges regarding concerns that the administration might attempt to seize ballots. Meanwhile, in Alaska, a federal judge recently dismissed a lawsuit from the administration that sought to separate specific ballots in the state's Senate race.

FAQ

What is at stake in these midterms?

The elections will determine which party controls the House and Senate, which impacts the president's ability to pass legislation.

When will the results be known?

Voting takes place on Tuesday, and the outcome will determine the legislative control of Congress for the upcoming term.