President Donald Trump rallied for Republican candidates in Vandalia, Ohio, predicting that his party will defy expectations in a difficult midterm election climate. Speaking inside a high school gymnasium near Dayton on Saturday, Trump urged supporters to turn out for incumbent Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy. “I think we’re going to have a big surprise, because they don’t know what’s happening,” Trump told the crowd. The visit is part of a broader campaign push through at least 17 states ahead of Nov. 3. Republicans are currently grappling with how to maintain voter turnout during a cycle where polls show the administration and the conflict in Iran are unpopular, and loyal Trump supporters might stay home because he is not on the ballot. Trump acknowledged this dynamic during his speech, asking attendees to pretend he is running to help drive participation. Husted is locked in one of the most expensive and competitive Senate races in the country, fighting to keep the seat he was appointed to after JD Vance became vice president. Outside groups, including the Senate Leadership Fund, have poured massive funds into the state to support Husted against his Democratic challenger. Meanwhile, Ramaswamy faces Democrat Amy Acton in a race to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. Trump praised both candidates during the event, which also featured a cameo from former NFL coach Jon Gruden, a former college teammate of Husted. As the campaign progresses, both parties are fiercely competing for low-propensity voters in key regions across the state.
Source: nbcnews.com
