Key facts
- Many Republican candidates are hesitant to campaign closely with President Donald Trump due to his approval ratings.
- Some GOP lawmakers have explicitly told Trump's team they do not want him campaigning in their districts.
- Pollsters advise vulnerable Republicans to limit direct references to Trump on the campaign trail.
- Trump plans to be heavily involved in the final 30 days of the midterm campaign.
- The Republican National Committee emphasizes Trump's importance for voter turnout.
Republicans are grappling with how to manage President Donald Trump's involvement in their midterm election campaigns, with many candidates expressing wariness about being too closely associated with him due to his approval ratings.
Interviews with over two dozen GOP lawmakers, candidates, and operatives reveal a party divided on the issue. While Trump is eager to campaign and his super PAC has significant funds, many candidates in competitive districts fear being dragged down by his unpopularity. Some have privately communicated to Trump's team that they do not want him to visit their districts, with one senior Republican stating Trump would not be helpful and would require their approval.
Top GOP pollsters have advised vulnerable incumbents to limit their public references to Trump. However, the risk of alienating Trump's base and the president himself, who has a history of retaliating against party members who break with him, creates an uncomfortable dilemma. The Republican National Committee emphasizes Trump's role as a key motivator for low-propensity voters, warning that distancing from him could hurt turnout.
Trump himself has indicated he will be heavily involved in the final 30 days of the campaign, mentioning planned visits to states like Alaska and Texas. Some Republicans suggest strategically using Trump's brand for targeted outreach rather than in-person rallies in districts where he might be a liability. A White House spokesperson defended Trump's record on economic and security issues.
While some incumbent members, like Rep. Rob Bresnahan, welcome Trump's campaign presence, others, like Rep. Mike Lawler, focus on highlighting their bipartisanship. Rep. Tom Barrett plans to skip a convention where Trump will be present, though he did attend a White House dinner. The National Republican Congressional Committee has rebranded its candidate recruitment list to 'MAGA Majority,' requiring Trump's endorsement, and its chair maintains Trump is a 'net positive' in all districts based on polling.