Trump claims his rallies boost GOP as candidates skip his events ahead of midterms

President Donald Trump told reporters in Baltimore that his series of rallies is raising Republican enthusiasm and helping to flip races ahead of the November midterm elections. He posted on social media that rally crowds were "unbelievable" and that the events were "saving the Republican Party, again."

Despite the president’s statements, a number of Republican candidates in key contests have not attended his recent midterm convention or subsequent rallies. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas cited scheduling conflicts for missing a Trump rally, and Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s campaign has not been linked to recent Trump appearances. Senators and House members in states such as Maine, Iowa and Michigan have expressed uncertainty about Trump’s presence at upcoming events.

Trump reiterated his intention to travel to about 35 competitive districts, a promise he made in early September, but his itinerary to date has focused on states like Alabama, Oklahoma and New York rather than traditional battlegrounds. Polling data released after the convention showed a shift toward Democrats on the generic ballot.

When asked about campaigning in specific states, Trump indicated he might visit Maine and confirmed plans for a rally in Iowa, urging local candidates to join him. GOP Senator Susan Collins previously said she did not expect Trump to travel to Maine.

The president’s emphasis on rally attendance comes as internal GOP dynamics appear to shift, with some candidates distancing themselves from Trump’s brand of campaigning.