President Donald Trump will skip his planned in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas and instead join tele-rallies across 19 states in the final days before Tuesday's midterm election, the Republican National Committee announced Thursday.
The RNC said the format change lets Trump reach more voters in the limited time left before polls close, according to The Hill's reporting. Iowa remains on the tele-rally list, so the president's voice will still reach Hawkeye State voters, just not from a podium.
Why the Iowa and Kansas rallies were canceled
The RNC framed the cancellations as a sign of strength rather than retreat, noting that Republicans are in a strong position in both states. The committee may announce additional tele-rally events featuring Trump before Election Day.
USA Today reported that the RNC's Oct. 29 statement said the virtual format will allow the president to reach more voters in the limited time left before polls close.
What the tele-rally schedule includes
Beyond Iowa and Kansas, the president is slated to appear virtually in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters called the effort a 72-hour sprint in the closing days of the campaign.
Voters across the country want to hear from President Trump before Election Day, and this 72-hour sprint will be a huge boost in the closing days.
Al Jazeera also reported on the scale-back of Trump's rally schedule, noting the canceled appearances in Iowa and Kansas come just days before the 2026 midterms.
How competitive is Iowa's race?
The president's canceled Iowa appearance comes as Rep. Ashley Hinson faces a challenge from Democrat Josh Turek in a race that has drawn national attention. Trump previously rallied in Iowa and Kansas to support Republican Senate candidates facing competitive challenges.
Emerson College/Nexstar polling put Hinson two points ahead of Turek, though her lead sits within the poll's margin of error. The pollster's analysis found Hinson's support has slipped by 3 points since September while Turek's numbers held steady.
Hinson has repeatedly broken with the Trump administration over its sweeping tariffs and the war in Iran, positioning herself as an independent voice for the district. That distance has not insulated her from a tightening race.
Republican strategist: the goal is turnout
One Republican strategist told The Hill that Trump's October campaign blitz is about ensuring every MAGA vote possible comes out, even as GOP support has declined in some red strongholds.
Republicans have faced a tough midterm cycle as voters express frustration with rising living costs. Party leaders are working to keep conservative voters energized through the final weekend.
Kansas race offers a warning sign
In Kansas, a CNN/SSRS survey released Thursday found Democrat Adam Hamilton leading incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall by 4 points, though within the margin of error. The Kansas and Iowa cancellations suggest the RNC sees both states as competitive enough to warrant the president's time, even in virtual form.
What happens next
Trump is expected to spend the weekend leading up to Election Day participating in the tele-rallies. Iowa voters will decide the Hinson-Turek race on Tuesday.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Trump cancel his Iowa rally?
The RNC said Republicans are in a strong position in Iowa and Kansas, and the tele-rally format allows Trump to reach voters in 19 states in the limited time remaining.
Will Trump still campaign for Iowa Republicans?
Yes. Iowa is one of the 19 states where Trump will appear by tele-rally before Election Day, according to the RNC.
Who is leading the Iowa congressional race?
Emerson College/Nexstar polling put Rep. Ashley Hinson two points ahead of Democrat Josh Turek, within the poll's margin of error, with her support down 3 points since September.