Trump's 'Pretend I'm on the Ballot' Rally Draws Republican Distance
With approval ratings in the mid-thirties and fraud claims persisting, GOP candidates balance the president's influence against a cautious approach on Election Day.
By Emmanuel Obasi ·
President Donald Trump ended his final major campaign stop of the cycle in Salina, Kansas, on Sunday, where he addressed a crowd with a direct instruction. He told the audience that he really wanted them to pretend he was on the ballot for the midterms. The statement highlighted the central dynamic of the 2026 election, a race where the president’s influence is undeniable but his formal role is limited to the executive branch.
The Associated Press describes the election as a referendum on Trump’s second term, noting that voters are struggling with high prices and anger over an unpopular war with Iran. AP-NORC polling indicates that 35% of U.S. adults approve of his job performance, while only 25% approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 adults say the country is heading in the wrong direction, and most blame the president for rising costs.
Despite these numbers, Trump held dozens of rallies in the final days before the vote. His schedule included stops in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas, where he sought to energize the base. However, many Republican candidates have kept their distance from the president in recent weeks. This strategic retreat is evident in the messaging of key figures who emphasize local issues while acknowledging the national mood.
The president has continued to make false claims about voting fraud, including assertions that noncitizens vote in large numbers. His administration has sued in Alaska and California, and Democrats fear interference as the Justice Department threatens to prosecute local election officials. A federal judge temporarily barred the administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, while another judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California officials segregate ballots for suspected noncitizens.
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated that everything depends on turnout. He said that if Republicans turn out their voters, they win, and that is what the party has been planning for. In contrast, DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene noted that the American people are angry and want change. The stakes are high, as one or two seats could tip either chamber, and Democrats are cautiously optimistic about their chances.
The financial aspect of the campaign has been unprecedented. The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, helped by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. Analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million in areas where he won by ten points or more.
Voters are making decisions based on a mix of national and local concerns. Mark Barker of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, said he has been following Trump the whole time and thinks he is doing an awesome job. James Moore, a librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, countered that he is paying more taxes, more for healthcare, and more for everything. These sentiments reflect the broader divide between those who support the president’s agenda and those who feel the economic strain.
More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote of four years ago in many closely watched states. The U.S. Postal Service added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. In states like Alaska, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit related to the certification of the Senate result, adding a layer of legal complexity to the process.
The election will decide who controls Congress for the final two years of Trump’s term. Republicans can lose no more than two House seats to maintain their majority, while Democrats need a net gain of three. In the Senate, Democrats need a net gain of four seats. The results will also determine control of governorships, with Democrats hoping to hold a majority for the first time in two decades.
If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries would be the first Black speaker and has outlined a 100-day agenda on the cost of living and oversight. A strong Democratic night would boost potential 2028 candidates and could complicate Vice President JD Vance’s path. Republicans tried to beat the midterm pattern with redistricting, but new districts may not vote as drawn.
