Trump targets key swing states as Democrats face internal strife in Michigan

President Donald Trump is spending the final days before the November 3 election campaigning in states where Republicans hold strong advantages, while Democrats in Michigan struggle with internal divisions that could jeopardize their path to reclaiming the Senate. The Republican strategy focuses on defending existing power, whereas the Democratic effort is complicated by a public feud between candidates in a critical open seat.

Trump will hold a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday afternoon. The 2nd Congressional District, which includes that city, has become competitive as Republicans work to maintain their slim majority in the House. He is scheduled to follow up with a visit to Salina, Kansas, on Monday. In that state, Democrat Adam Hamilton is challenging for the Senate seat, aiming to become the first Kansas Democrat to win that office in 94 years.

These trips mark a shift in campaign strategy compared to 2024, when Trump focused on flipping states that had voted for Joe Biden in 2020. This year, he is concentrating on states he previously dominated. Voters in those areas are questioning the economic impact of his tariff policies and the recent conflict with Iran. More than 52 million votes have already been cast in the election.

The Democratic campaign faces complications in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed is running for a key Senate seat. A public dispute with primary opponent Rep. Haley Stevens has raised concerns about party unity. Stevens, who had planned to join El-Sayed and Rep. Jim Clyburn at a church event, instead appeared with Republican Mike Rogers. Stevens criticized El-Sayed for not showing enough support for Israel, and her fiancé stated last week that he is voting for Rogers.

Debbie Dingell, a Michigan congresswoman, said she asked Stevens not to attend the joint event and that Stevens agreed. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a supporter of El-Sayed, dismissed fears of a fracture during an interview on CBS' Face the Nation. He said, 'Haley Stevens lost a very, very close primary. I can understand being upset about that, but from what I can see, all over the state, people are standing up, they’re gonna stand with Abdul.'

The outcome in Michigan is vital for the Senate race. If Democrats lose that seat, they would need to win races in more Republican-leaning states like Texas, Ohio, and Iowa to retake control. Outgoing Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., warned on Sunday that tariffs are unpopular in the Midwest and could hurt the GOP. He told CNN that there will be a debate in the party about its future if losses occur.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., expressed confidence that Republicans will keep the Senate. He noted on NBC's Meet the Press that the election is about President Trump's agenda. 'There's no doubt that President Trump has said himself that the midterm election is about him,' Scott said. 'His agenda, without any question, is on the ballot.'