Leavitt outlines Trump's midterm turnout strategy

Trump focuses on turnout

Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says President Donald Trump is traveling widely to push Republican voters to participate in the Nov. 3, 2026, midterm elections. In an interview with Fox News, she described Trump as optimistic despite the difficult environment facing his party.

Leavitt said Trump recognizes that the president’s party has historically lost congressional seats during midterm elections. Republicans are defending narrow majorities in both the House and Senate.

Trump’s approval ratings have also become increasingly negative. Other pressures include continued grocery-store inflation and high gasoline prices associated with the war with Iran, which polling has found to be unpopular.

Leavitt said Trump’s central message is directed at supporters who may vote when he is a candidate but skip midterm elections. He is asking them to treat the election as though his own name were on the ballot and emphasizing the consequences of congressional control.

Campaign travel and party messages

Leavitt pointed to Trump’s campaign travel as evidence of that approach. She said he had visited North Carolina and South Carolina and planned another stop in Michigan. Trump also campaigned for Republican candidates in Arizona and Kansas during October.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin offered a different assessment, arguing that Republican spending in strongly Republican areas showed the party was worried about holding seats.

Leavitt framed the election around differences between Republican and Democratic candidates on taxes, border security and immigration. She also claimed Republican Party groups held a nationwide fundraising advantage, but did not state a dollar amount. Her comments place turnout and campaign resources at the center of the Republican effort as Election Day approaches.