Trump Campaigns in Iowa and Kansas as Senate Control Hangs in the Balance

With roughly 50 million Americans having already cast their ballots, President Donald Trump spent the weekend campaigning in Iowa and Kansas, two states that have traditionally favored Republicans but are now considered competitive.

In Kansas, the state has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in nearly a century. That streak may end Tuesday. Republican incumbent Roger Marshall released a closing argument video on Sunday defending his medical practices, which had drawn criticism during the campaign. Marshall’s staff reportedly did not want the video released and expressed concern that it might do more harm than good. A New York Times poll places Democrat Adam Hamilton ahead of Marshall by five points.

The race in Iowa is also tight. During a speech, Trump discussed the physical condition of Republican candidate Ashley Hinson. "I knew Ashley for a long time and she was a little bit heavier," Trump said. "But Ashley knew the importance of what this was and how important it was and why she put herself, she went on a regimen. She put herself in shape. She’s in perfect shape." Trump noted that Hinson had asked him not to mention the topic.

Democrats require a net gain of four seats to regain control of the Senate. Both parties view victories in Iowa and Kansas as essential to that goal. The election is scheduled for Tuesday.