Trump plots a campaign blitz; GOP candidates face a decision

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The Hill's Headlines | PM - September 11, 2026

The Hill's Headlines | PM - September 11, 2026

President Trump’s upcoming midterm campaign blitz is risking dragging down Republicans facing tough reelection bids as his approval rating plummets ahead of November. 

Trump will head to battleground North Carolina to campaign with Senate nominee Michael Whatley on Wednesday in an effort to boost Republican efforts in the fight to keep the seat red. 

The visit is slated to be the first of many for Trump, as Republicans seek to nationalize the midterm elections. 

However, other Republican incumbents and candidates are choosing to keep Trump at arm’s length, as candidates figure out how the president factors into their own political calculus. 

“I think he’s putting everyone in a very tricky situation. Do you stump with him and literally and figuratively embrace high gas prices and war in Iran, or do you snub him and risk him telling the base not to show up for you?” said one Democratic strategist. 

“This week made clear he wants everyone to act as though he’s on the ballot and given his approval ratings that’s bad news for Republicans, even in traditionally red areas,” the strategist continued. 

This past week’s Republican midterm convention served to provide a jolt of energy to the GOP base ahead of November. Republicans are facing historical headwinds going into the midterms, given the party in the White House normally loses seats in the House and the Senate during the first two years of an administration. 

On top of that, recent polls show Trump’s approval rating continuing to decline. A recent Focaldata/Financial Times poll released showed Trump’s approval rating hitting a new low of 32 percent. 

Despite those negative polls, Trump and the White House are imploring his base of supporters to “pretend” that he is........

© The Hill