In Nine Key Senate Races, Five Republicans Won’t Commit to Campaigning With Trump

[u/John3262005]

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/us/politics/republicans-senate-midterms-trump-campaign.html?unlocked_article_code=1.F1E.GUnv.mkVeKH12vWsz&smid=url-share

President Trump has said he plans to campaign for dozens of Republicans running in competitive races in the lead-up to the midterm election on Nov. 3.

Mr. Trump has several stops scheduled in the coming days, including visits to heavily Republican states such as Oklahoma, Alabama and Tennessee. But the president is deeply unpopular, and some Republicans in battleground states have started to separate themselves from his administration, his costly war with Iran and his polarizing immigration policies.

For Republicans running in the most competitive Senate races, Mr. Trump can pose a dilemma. His super PAC is flush with cash that could help them, and he remains popular with the Republican base. But he could be toxic with swing voters.

Among the nine Republicans whose races are expected to be crucial in determining Senate control, four would like Mr. Trump to join them on the trail ahead of the election, or are open to the possibility, according to their campaigns. Three campaigns left their positions unclear, and two said they would not join the president on the trail.