President Donald Trump held a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, on Thursday, urging Republican voters to turn out for the midterm elections amid tight Senate and House races. The event highlighted the stakes of Iowa’s U.S. Senate contest between Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek, with Republicans seeking to maintain their slim congressional majorities.
Trump urges turnout in Iowa Senate race
During the rally at Sioux Gateway Airport, Trump framed the election as a referendum on his administration’s policies, warning supporters that Democratic control of Congress could reverse progress on issues like border security, tax cuts, and deregulation. “If they win the midterms, it’s the start of something very bad, very dark, very horrible for our country,” Trump said. He emphasized his administration’s achievements, including reduced poverty, low unemployment, and stock market highs, while urging Iowa voters to support Hinson to “keep Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat red.”
Hinson, who is running to replace retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, echoed Trump’s message, stating that Iowa’s Senate race could determine control of the chamber. “All eyes are on Iowa right now,” she said. “If we lose this seat here in Iowa, the Democrats will control the U.S. Senate.” Hinson pledged to address affordability, government corruption, and prescription drug costs if elected.
Supporters voice economic concerns ahead of Election Day
Outside the rally, some Trump supporters expressed frustration over lingering economic issues, including high prices and ongoing conflicts abroad. Beth Fitzl, an Iowa voter, told reporters she backed Trump despite disagreements on some issues, stating, “He’s like the Packers—he always pulls it off in the end.” Chuck Jones, a veteran who traveled from Minnesota for the event, criticized the divisive nature of politics, saying, “These politicians are fighting for one thing on one side, and other people are fighting for something else.”
The midterm elections, scheduled for November 3, will determine whether Democrats can secure control of the House and Senate. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers, with Democrats needing a net gain of four Senate seats and a similar number in the House to flip control. Iowa’s Senate race is among several competitive contests that could shape the balance of power in Washington.