Midterm Countdown: Trump Heads to Florida as Alaska Ballot Fight Intensifies

Election Day arrives on Tuesday, November 3, marking the final four days of the 2026 midterm campaign. President Donald Trump is traveling to Florida for a rally in Daytona Beach, continuing a multi week effort to energize his base and address economic concerns. This move follows the cancellation of weekend rallies in Kansas and Iowa, which the Republican National Committee attributed to the party's strong position. Instead, the President plans to hold telerallies in 19 states in the coming days.

The campaign trail has seen recent shifts in activity. Vice President JD Vance canceled a scheduled appearance in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on Friday. A day before his Florida stop, Trump campaigned in South Carolina for Republican Senator Darline Graham. The Florida race features Senator Ashley Moody seeking reelection against Democrat Angie Nixon, while Representative Byron Donalds runs for governor against David Jolly.

In Alaska, Democratic candidate Mary Peltola addressed a ballot controversy in Juneau. She stated, "I knew nothing about any other candidates on the ballot except for me and the incumbent. That is all I have ever known about. I am not interested in tricking voters." The dispute centers on Daniel J. Sullivan, a man with a nearly identical name to Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, who appears on the ballot. The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation, and the Trump administration is suing to block certification if confusion influences the result.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced his state's involvement in the probe, noting it could impact Senate seating. A Peltola spokesperson called the Governor's comments a threat to override voter will. In Detroit, Abdul El-Sayed will appear with Representative Haley Stevens on Sunday, a rare joint event for the Michigan Senate race. Stevens' fiancé, Jason Turkish, said he plans to vote for the Republican nominee, citing El-Sayed's stance on Israel, though Stevens reaffirmed her support.

In Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy stopped airing a controversial ad featuring his opponent's mother. The campaign had planned to spend $4 million on the spot but spent roughly $1 million, according to AdImpact. The ad featured Donna Arthur calling her daughter a lifelong liar after nearly 50 years apart. Meanwhile, the Justice Department issued grand jury subpoenas to California election officials between October 21 and 24. This action escalates a dispute over allegations that 20,000 non-citizens may be registered to vote.

In Kansas, farmer Jeff Preisser noted that his family spent $737,375 more to operate their farm in 2026 than in the previous year. Higher diesel and fertilizer costs driven by the Iran war increased expenses, while drought and trade wars cut revenue by $325,000. According to the University of Florida Election Lab, 44.8 million Americans have already voted. This total includes 23.6 million in-person early votes and 21.3 million returned mail ballots.