President Donald Trump launched a 32-day midterm campaign blitz addressing rain-soaked crowds in Durant, Oklahoma, and Denton, Texas, on October 1, 2026, as Republicans defend vulnerable legislative seats.
President Donald Trump launched his pre-election rally schedule with visits to Durant, Oklahoma, and Denton, Texas, marking the start of a 32-day campaign sprint leading up to November 3. Supporters began lining up outside the Choctaw Event Center as early as noon, waiting for hours in the rain for the president’s first visit to Oklahoma in six years, according to local broadcasting reports.
Vice President JD Vance joined the effort by stumping for candidates in Florida and Texas, putting the administration’s top figures into areas where Republicans face tougher-than-expected races.
Only 17 percent of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, while a separate AP poll showed just 26 percent approval for his handling of the economy amid high gas prices and an eight-month-long war in Iran. The administration’s travel schedule targets states where Republicans once anticipated smooth victories but now face competitive terrain.
Trump Rallies in Durant for Oklahoma Gubernatorial Contest
In Durant, Trump campaigned alongside endorsee Mike Mazzei, the Republican nominee for governor. The state also carries historical precedent for competitive surprises; in the 2018 midterms during Trump’s first term, Democrats flipped an Oklahoma congressional seat when Kendra Horn defeated the incumbent Republican in a district Trump had carried by 13 percentage points in 2016, though Stephanie Bice later reclaimed the seat for the GOP in 2020.
“I want to be very clear that the consideration of this trip was never intended as a political statement, endorsement, or expression of support for any political party or candidate. Had a sitting president of any political party been visiting this close to our community, we would have recognized the historical significance and educational value of allowing students to witness the presidency firsthand.”
Superintendent David Morris, Stringtown Public Schools
A water main break closed a portion of Evergreen Street between 12th and 13th streets, prompting city officials to ask drivers to seek alternate routes as crowds gathered.
Trump Targets Battlegrounds Amid Approval Deficit
Trump’s net approval has fallen by at least 18 percentage points in every state on his planned midterm itinerary since he returned to office on January 20, 2025, with net ratings dropping by 27 points in Ohio and Oklahoma. Nationally, his approval stood at 37 percent and disapproval at 61 percent according to the New York Times polling aggregator. In Oklahoma, his net approval rating is negative by six percentage points, while in Texas he sits lower at negative 19 points.
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., noted that the strategy relies on the president visiting states with toss-up elections that he won previously. Veteran Republican consultant Stuart Stevens suggested that venue choices reflect deep unpopularity in states where the president is barely above water, describing the strategy as focused on ego rather than political outcomes. Following stops in Oklahoma and Texas, Trump’s upcoming schedule includes a trip to Mobile, Alabama, to support Rhett Marques after winning the state by 31 points in 2024, followed by Ohio for Senator Jon Husted and Nebraska, where he previously secured a 21-point blowout margin.
“He’s our president and he works for us, and he stands up for those who stay silent, so we appreciate that.”
Bonnie Couch, rally attendee
Speaking to supporters, Trump urged voters to treat the midterm elections as a personal referendum. We’re not getting the word out. I mean, we’re just not getting it — that’s why,
Trump said.
Opposition Responds to Defensive Itinerary Stops
The Democratic National Committee released a statement asserting that Trump and Vance are desperately trying to rally their base as the midterm elections approach and Republicans face defeat due to a deadly and costly war with Iran that sent the economy spiraling.