RNC Shifts Trump's Campaign to Phone Rallies Across 20 States

US President Donald Trump canceled his campaign rallies scheduled for the end of the week in Iowa and Kansas. Instead, Trump opted to support Republican candidates through phone rallies, which his party stated allow access to a broader segment of voters in about twenty states.

Trump traveled to South Carolina on Thursday for the second time in a month, signaling Republican concern over Darlene Graham's ability to withstand a strong challenge from Democrat Annie Andrews for a critical seat in the US Senate.

South Carolina voters have not sent a Democrat to the Senate in nearly three decades. However, Andrews, a pediatrician who previously ran unsuccessfully for Congress, is urging voters seeking change to "try something new for once."

This message has resonated in an election year marked by voter frustration with the economy, gas prices, and the war in Iran, putting the Republican Party led by Trump on the defensive in areas where they have rarely had to compete in recent years.

In addition to South Carolina, Republicans enter the final days of this year's midterm elections facing close races in Texas, Kansas, Ohio, Iowa, and Alaska. Both parties are also closely monitoring developments in the Mississippi Senate race.

The president expressed confidence upon returning to the White House, stating: "We will have a strong Tuesday night."

Trump was scheduled to hold two campaign rallies; the first in Kansas on Saturday, and the other in Iowa on Sunday. However, the Republican National Committee announced on Thursday evening that in-person appearances were canceled in favor of a "72-hour sprint" via phone rallies; a move the committee explained aims to increase his ability to connect with voters nationwide. These virtual events are planned for approximately 20 states, with the possibility of announcing more later.