Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) argued that President Donald Trump and Republicans’ increased campaign activity in traditionally Republican states suggests the GOP is concerned about competitive midterm races as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress.
Lieu Questions GOP’s Red-State Campaign Push
On Tuesday, Lieu posted on X, sharing an ABC News report on Trump’s campaign visits to traditionally Republican states ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
“It is possible there is a systematic polling error in favor of Democrats for the midterms,” Lieu wrote.
He added, “However, I simply note that Republicans believe the same data we are seeing. Otherwise Republicans wouldn’t be spending so much time and money defending deep red territory.”
Trump Defends GOP Seats In Red States
According to ABC News, Trump had made 20 campaign stops in states he won decisively and six in battleground states since Sept. 9, as of Tuesday afternoon.
His visits included Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Alabama. Trump and Vice President JD Vance also campaigned for Republican candidates in states including Kansas and Iowa.
An early October ReconMR poll found Rep. James Talarico (D-Texas) leading Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton 48% to 44% among likely voters, within the poll’s margin of error.
Trump also campaigned for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), a state he won by 23 percentage points in 2024. Explaining his support for Hyde-Smith, Trump said, “I can’t take a chance.”
Democrats Warn of GOP Backlash Ahead of Midterms
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Trump and Republicans of raising household costs through tariffs, the Iran war and spending legislation, warning voters could hold them accountable on Nov. 3.
On Monday, former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene warned of GOP backlash over the Iran war, affordability concerns and the abandonment of “America First” promises, criticizing Republicans for remaining loyal to Trump.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said Democrats could regain control of Congress, citing rising living costs and alleged corruption, but warned that wealthy donors and political groups threatened their candidates.
Democrats Led GOP In Midterm Poll
Trump’s approval rating rose to 32%, while Democrats led Republicans 47% to 36% in congressional voting preferences, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The survey found that 73% of voters said their cost of living was heading in the wrong direction, while Democrats led among likely voters 53% to 44%.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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