Election Watch: Two Midwestern Senate Races Tighten
With 50 million ballots already cast, President Trump campaigned in Iowa and Kansas as both states shifted into competitive territory for the Senate.
By Ivan Dvorak ·
About 50 million Americans cast ballots before the election. President Donald Trump spent the weekend campaigning in Iowa and Kansas, two states that traditionally lean Republican but are now close contests.
In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton leads Republican incumbent Roger Marshall by five points according to New York Times polling. Kansas has not sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in nearly 100 years. Marshall released a closing argument video on Sunday to address criticism of his medical practices. His staff reportedly did not want the video released and feared it would hurt his campaign.
In Iowa, the race between Ashley Hinson and her opponent is neck and neck. Trump commented on Hinson's physical appearance during his visit. He stated, 'I knew Ashley for a long time and she was a little bit heavier.' He added that Hinson went on a regimen and is now in perfect shape. Trump also noted that Hinson asked him not to bring up the topic.
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the Senate. Both parties view victories in Iowa and Kansas as valuable for that goal.
The candidates in both states will face voters on Tuesday. The outcome will determine whether the Republican holds their seats or if the Democrats expand their influence in the upper chamber.
