President Donald Trump campaigned in Mississippi on Monday as part of an intensified effort to support Republican candidates ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, which could significantly alter party control in Congress and state legislatures. Trump focused on boosting incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who is engaged in a closer-than-expected contest with Democratic challenger Scott Colom. Mississippi, a state that Trump won by more than 20 percentage points in 2024 and one of the most reliably Republican states, has been categorized by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report as “likely Republican,” reflecting increased competitiveness.
Speaking at a rally in Corinth, Trump acknowledged Hyde-Smith’s strong standing but emphasized the need to secure her victory. His voice was hoarse from ongoing campaigning as he referred to Colom as a “Marxist radical” and a “shameless phony who pretends to be a moderate.” Trump also denounced a ceasefire with Iran brokered earlier this year during his administration, describing it as “sort of a waste of time.” Throughout the rally, which lasted more than 80 minutes, Trump also defended personal expenditures on White House renovations following critical remarks by former President Barack Obama.
Colom, a local prosecutor who would become Mississippi’s first Black senator since Reconstruction if elected, was present near the rally site and expressed a desire to listen to Trump supporters. He criticized inflation and the administration’s foreign policy, including the ongoing conflict with Iran, attributing some economic pressures to those issues. Colom highlighted the importance of responsive representation, stating voters deserve leaders who genuinely listen and care about their struggles.
The contest in Mississippi has drawn national attention amid a broader push by both parties to solidify or change the balance of power in Congress. Over 30 million Americans have already cast early votes, demonstrating high engagement as Democrats aim to regain control of both chambers for the first time since 2006. Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats, focusing on competitive races in states such as North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, Maine, Alaska, Texas, and Kansas — while also defending incumbents like Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan.
In parallel to Trump’s campaigning, top Democratic figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, have been active in key battleground states. Harris campaigned in Wisconsin with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running for governor against Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. Meanwhile, other Democrats sought to distance themselves from controversial advertisements, such as one in Michigan blaming higher grocery prices partly on U.S. support for Israel; the El-Sayed campaign disavowed the ad citing concerns over its messaging.
Vice President JD Vance also campaigned in Kansas, supporting Senator Roger Marshall in a closely contested race against Democrat Adam Hamilton. Kansas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932, but Hamilton’s strong fundraising and momentum have made the race competitive. Marshall framed the election as a referendum on Trump’s agenda, warning against the consequences of a Democratic takeover.
As the election week progresses, Trump plans additional rallies in Texas, South Carolina, Iowa, Ohio, and Florida — all states he secured convincingly in 2024 — underscoring a final push by Republicans to maintain their slim congressional majorities amid a politically charged and closely watched midterm season.