DURANT, Okla. — David Coleman, a 54-year-old resident of Oklahoma, attended President Trump's midterm rally in Durant, expressing his support for the candidates Trump endorses. Coleman stated, "I am going to ask ChatGPT what their name is and vote for them," indicating his loyalty to Trump rather than specific Republican candidates.
Trump is focusing his campaign efforts on Republican strongholds like Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, rather than battleground districts, in an attempt to energize his base ahead of the November 3 election. He emphasized the importance of voting for GOP candidates, including Senate candidates Ken Paxton of Texas and Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, stating, "You have to get out and vote. You can’t assume they are going to win."
This strategy marks a shift from Trump's earlier commitment to campaign in competitive districts, as he faces challenges with his approval ratings, even among Republicans. In Texas, Paxton has expressed concerns that Trump's presence at a GOP convention in Dallas negatively impacted his campaign. Trump has urged voters to support Paxton, saying, "We need Ken so badly, that’s why I am here."
Democrats are also targeting voters they lost to Trump in 2020, particularly Latino voters in South Texas, who have expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's policies on immigration and the economy. Trump has dismissed concerns about losing the Latino vote, stating, "We have to do what we have to do."
Despite his confidence, Trump acknowledged that Republicans are worried about several races, including those in Michigan and Texas, as economic concerns, particularly rising gas prices, weigh on voters. The national average for a gallon of diesel reached $6.37, with a record high of $6.52 recorded on September 22.
In response to rising fuel costs, Trump announced that major industrial nations would release 100 million barrels of diesel and fuel products from their strategic reserves. He plans to highlight this development in his upcoming rallies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) noted the importance of Trump's ability to mobilize his supporters during midterm elections, stating, "In a non-presidential year, in a midterm election, that challenge is always voter turnout."
Attendees at Trump's rallies, like Sylvia Sigler, a 66-year-old cafeteria worker, expressed uncertainty about their voting plans but acknowledged that economic issues could influence their decisions. Sigler mentioned, "I haven’t thought about it, but maybe the economy."
Ana Ceballos is a Washington correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, covering the White House and Congress.