President Trump kicked off his October midterm campaign blitz Thursday night with a rally in Durant, Oklahoma, urging Republican voters to turn out in November even though his own name will not be on the ballot.
Trump arrived at the Choctaw Event Center roughly two hours behind schedule after bad weather disrupted his travel from Texas. He ultimately spoke for more than an hour before a packed crowd, with much of the speech focused on the midterm elections, the economy and Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Mazzei.
Watch Full Trump Rally in Durant, Oklahoma
Watch Trump’s complete Oct. 1 rally from Durant, Oklahoma, below.
Alternate Video Link: RSBN (YouTube)
One of Trump’s main messages of the night was aimed at Republicans who turn out when he is on the ballot but may be less motivated during a midterm election. “We do great when I’m on the ballot,” Trump told the crowd. “When I’m not on the ballot, people don’t go and vote so much.” He urged supporters to “pretend I’m running” when they vote in November.
Trump also defended his economic record, promoted a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola and repeated his proposal for $5,000 payments to American adults if Republicans retain control of Congress. He endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Mazzei, who appeared at the rally.
The Durant stop was the beginning of a three-day stretch of campaign travel for Trump during the final month before the 2026 midterm elections. He heads to Mobile, Alabama, on Friday before campaigning with Republican Sen. Jon Husted in Vandalia, Ohio, on Saturday.
Durant also sits just north of the Texas border, where Republicans are dealing with an unexpectedly competitive Senate race. Earlier Thursday, Trump appeared in Texas with Republican nominee Ken Paxton, just days after leaked audio caught Paxton saying Trump’s recent Dallas convention hurt Republican poll numbers.
Follow the upcoming Trump rally schedule for more midterm events, full videos and upcoming appearances.