Key facts
- Absentee ballot requests from registered Republicans in Iowa were up nearly 40 percent compared to 2022.
- Republican strategists in Georgia described early vote numbers as "really, really bad."
- Republicans are struggling with independent voters in Michigan, according to a GOP strategist.
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about Tuesday's midterm elections, citing increasing early vote participation among Republicans in Iowa. However, strategists in Georgia described early voting numbers as "really, really bad," while Michigan strategists noted struggles with independent voters. The Republican National Committee canceled a planned weekend rally in Iowa, stating that Republicans are in a "strong" position there. Trump stated at a rally in Lubbock, Texas, "I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised on Tuesday. People are coming home. They’re coming home."