President Donald Trump is taking direct action to shape the 2026 midterm elections by making personal calls to Republican lawmakers across the country. The president and his senior White House aides have been steering Republican candidates in key House and Senate races to avoid messy primary battles and strengthen their chances of keeping control of Congress.
Trump’s influence has already changed the political plans of several prominent Republicans. In recent weeks, he has privately guided candidates in House races in Iowa, Michigan and New York, as well as Senate contests in Maine, Iowa and North Carolina. The goal is to prevent damaging primary fights that could weaken Republican chances in swing districts. This strategy becomes even more important given potential challenges like Elon Musk’s plans for a new political party, which could disrupt traditional Republican unity.
The president’s direct involvement has led to immediate changes in campaign plans. Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa was seriously considering a run for governor but was told by Trump to “stay put,” according to a White House official. Shortly after that conversation, Nunn announced his reelection campaign for his House seat instead. Trump also steered Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan away from a potentially messy Senate primary, telling him in a private meeting that he planned to back Mike Rogers for the Senate race.
Trump’s strategy focuses on protecting Republican control
This coordinated effort is part of a broader White House strategy to ensure Republicans keep control of both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections. With Trump’s presidency running until 2029, these midterms will be crucial for maintaining his legislative agenda through the remainder of his term. A White House official said the president plans to campaign actively for Republican candidates and his senior aides are working on a 2027 policy agenda to show voters what continued Republican control would accomplish.
The White House has also been working behind the scenes on Senate races. Top White House officials held a private meeting with Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa last week, encouraging her to run for reelection as some Senate Republicans worried she might retire. In Maine, where Democrats would have a better chance of winning, White House officials have discussed potential candidates in case Sen. Susan Collins decides not to run again.
Trump’s involvement extends beyond just making endorsements. His former campaign manager Chris LaCivita and pollster Tony Fabrizio have become the White House’s main political advisors for the midterm cycle. LaCivita is involved in Mike Rogers’ campaign in Michigan and Sen. Lindsey Graham’s race in South Carolina, while also running super PACs. Fabrizio and his firm are active in more than a dozen statewide races. The two consultants are in daily contact with the White House political team, according to Fabrizio.
The president is eager to return to campaign rallies and has brought up the idea in multiple recent meetings. One White House official said Trump told him, “We’re going to have to campaign in the states and really get out there a lot, huh? Because really, it’s just me that can pull them out in a lot of places.” This comes despite some recent tensions with his MAGA base over certain policy decisions. The White House plans to focus on the same voter groups that helped Trump win in 2024, including working-class voters and younger demographics like Gen-Z.
Published: Jul 25, 2025 09:18 am