2 days until midterms, Trump campaigns in Iowa and Kansas as both parties make final push

Former Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., said his Democrat opponent in the Michigan Senate race, Abdul El-Sayed, was being "rude" to Rep. Haley Stevens after she rescinded her support for El Sayed and backed Rogers.

"Abdul discarded Haley Stevens, was rude to Haley Stevens, has been rude I think to many in the African American community, at least that's what they're telling me. And I think this just boiled over when he disinvited her to the campaign event that was supposed to happen today. And basically said 'I don't need you and don't needs your supporters,'" Rogers told FOX 2 Detroit.

The Republican Senate hopeful also said Stevens called him Sunday morning and offered to join him for a church service in Detroit.

"I think she picked up the phone today after having lots of conversations with a lot of people and picked up a phone and said, 'hey, I heard you're going to church, you want some company?' And so we were very welcome for her. I'm very welcome to have her support," Rogers said.

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, appeared to stumble when he was asked if Israel has a right to exist.

During an interview with CBS News' "60 Minutes," El-Sayed said he is never asked if Palestine has the right to exist.

"Does Palestine have the right to exist?" host Ross Douthat asked.

"Yes," El-Sayed answered.

Douthat then asked if Israel has the right to exist.

"Yes, if there is a shared understanding," El-Sayed began.

Douthat interjected, "Wait. You said..."

"This is the problem with this debate, we start from where we sit rather than start from principles. I believe in equal rights to peace, dignity and self-determination for Palestinians and Jewish Israelis alike. If the Palestinian people decide and the Israeli people decide that they want two states for two people, and they decide that on equal terms, I'm for it. If they decide that they want one state shared in a different way, I'm for that," the Senate hopeful said.

Just two days before Election Day, a longtime Alaska resident is raising concerns about teacher Daniel J. Sullivan, who was nicknamed “Decoy Dan” after entering the U.S. Senate race alongside incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.

In an interview with Fox News, Philip E. Meeks alleged that the candidate appeared to have entered the race deliberately to confuse voters, pointing to his absence from public debates and what Meeks described as an effort to avoid reporters.

"There was no debate. Nobody actually knew what he stood for,” Meeks said.

“If you're going to leave town right after the New York Times dropped their article, then I'd say that's pretty lousy,” he said, referring to a report examining whether Sullivan entered the race with help from Democratic candidate Mary Peltola in an effort to siphon votes. 

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said he isn't focused on Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens after she crossed party lines to endorse Republican candidate Mike Rogers.

“At the end of the day, I actually don't think about Haley Stevens,” El-Sayed said.

He said he is more focused on addressing issues facing families, including access to health care, education and the rising cost of everyday necessities, than the political fallout from Stevens' endorsement.

“I'm just less interested in the politics of it all than I am in the policy of it all,” he said.

“There are families who are preparing to send their kids to schools tomorrow that look like they did 50 years ago. They're worried about what they're going to feed their kids for lunch. They're worried that if one of their kids get sick, they're not going to be able to pay the bills. Those are the things that matter,” he said.

El-Sayed also urged voters who share his values to support his candidacy, taking aim at Rogers, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

“If you are somebody who believes that we should stand up to hate and you have watched this last campaign, I think we probably would not want to support Mike Rogers and Donald Trump and JD Vance,” he said.

President Donald Trump on Sunday called Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed a “nasty guy” who needs to get his “a-- kicked.”

Speaking at an Iowa rally supporting Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson and Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn, Trump also defended his decision to mock El-Sayed by calling him “Mohamed.”

“I'm President, Abdul, and I have the right to call you whatever the hell I want,” Trump said.

“We don't want to have people that are going to destroy our country. Abdul.”

Trump recalled asking El-Sayed what he described as a normal question, claiming the candidate responded arrogantly by asking, “What right do you have to ask me that question?”

“They said I was arrogant, and now they find me to be an extremely nice gentleman,” Trump said.

“He's a disaster, he's a nasty guy, and hopefully he gets his ass kicked because that's what he needs.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday broke into an impression of President Donald Trump during a campaign rally, joking about the president's habit of calling him in the middle of the night.

Johnson got into character in Iowa while campaigning for Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson, whom he described as “one of his favorite people in the world.”

“The man calls me at, like, 1 o'clock in the morning and also at 5 a.m.,” Johnson said.

He then launched into a spot-on impression of Trump, mimicking the president's familiar tone.

“Mike, are you sleeping?” Johnson said, imitating Trump.

“No, sir. Of course. Sleep is for sissies … What's on your mind?”

“I don't know. Let's talk about … ,” Johnson continued in his impression before cutting himself off.

“Whatever, I'm not going to do the impression in front of you. I'm sorry. I didn't plan that,” he said, as Trump smiled and the crowd began to cheer.

“Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. We're never going to have a president like this again. God bless him. God bless the president,” Johnson added.

President Donald Trump on Sunday fired back at former President Barack Obama for comparing his White House ballroom renovation project to the Cheesecake Factory.

He defended the extensive renovations during a speech at an Iowa rally supporting Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson and Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn.

“It's actually a good company … He shouldn't be disparaging it, actually,” Trump said.

Trump argued that the renovations were necessary to preserve the White House as a “symbol of America,” pointing to what he described as long-overdue improvements to the grounds and potentially hazardous conditions.

“The helicopters were landing in the mud for years and years. Dangerous, actually. And we built the most magnificent heliport you've ever seen. We're building things and we're fixing it,” Trump said.

“It can't have exterior moldings half-falling off. It can't have broken windows at the main entrance where the window has been broken for years. They can't have all these things, Barack.”

Trump later turned his criticism toward Obama's presidential center in Chicago, speculating that the library may have been backed by donors supporting Democratic Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

“Here's the guy that built one of the ugliest places I've ever seen in Chicago," he said.

“Nobody's saying who put up the money. You know, I believe it might have been very much the same people that are backing Mohamed. I call him Mohamed, not Abdul."

President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about China and Russia spying on the U.S., telling voters that American intelligence agencies are spying on them “even better.”

Trump made the remarks during a speech in Iowa supporting Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson and Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn.

“We do hear what they say. We're quite good at that, actually,” Trump said.

“Somebody said, ‘China is spying on us, sir.’ I said, ‘Yeah, and we're spying on them, too. Don't worry about it.’”

“We're doing it to them also. But we do it even better,” Trump added.

The Squad is heading into the midterms with a record fundraising haul—and a list of groups it won’t take money from.

The Squad Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee authorized by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib, has raised $2.35 million so far in the 2025–2026 election cycle, its highest total to date, according to federal filings.

The committee’s disclosure bars contributions from the Fraternal Order of Police, corporations, federal lobbyists and fossil fuel interests. It does not explain why it excludes the nation’s largest police organization.

The fund gives the four lawmakers and four allied PACs a shared vehicle for collecting and distributing contributions. Donations are generally divided equally among the eight participants, though donors can designate money for a specific group.

President Donald Trump said he would welcome Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens into the Republican Party after she made an unexpected endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over fellow Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.

“I'd love to have her,” Trump said Sunday alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson on the way to an Iowa rally.

“That was a big move because nobody expected that. But it's a smart thing to do because El-Sayed would destroy our country. So I thought that was fantastic,” he added.

Trump also suggested Stevens could face threats following her announcement, while Johnson described the political climate as a “heightened threat environment.”

“It's a Muslim Brotherhood guy,” Trump said of El-Sayed. “Yeah, I'd say she's in danger. I think she's very brave doing it.”

Johnson also praised Stevens as “courageous” for speaking out.

“Haley is a good person. She's always been very thoughtful. She loves her state. She's served it as best she could, and she's speaking the truth,” Johnson said.

Voters arriving at the Lorain County Board of Elections in Ohio on Sunday reported unexpected crowds and long lines to cast their ballots early.

Brad Gilliam told Fox News he was surprised when rounding the corner and seeing the line, calling the turnout unexpected but important.

Eileen Biehl noted how "crazy" the lines were, wondering what turnout will look like on Election Day, while another Ohio voter described the large crowds as a good sign.

For Michael Burin, it marked his first time ever voting early.

Kitchen-table economic issues were top-of-mind for voters waiting in line. One voter highlighted immediate household strains, pointing to gas prices, families struggling to feed themselves, and negative impacts on the education system.

Burin voiced widespread frustration over the economy, stating that people are disappointed and feeling "really, really poor compared to where they were four years ago or two years ago."

Biehl similarly pointed to affordability, involvement in "the unofficial war that we're participating in," and a government displaying a "lack of attention to the dignity of each person."

Jackie Hock, whose husband is a combat veteran, said her primary motivation was ensuring her voice was heard to protect the liberties her husband fought for. Hock emphasized that regardless of political affiliation, voters simply want to ensure their families are taken care of during tough times and that freedom is preserved for future generations.

Biehl explained that the heavy turnout reflects deep convictions across the electorate, observing that voters are divided between those who "really want change" and others who want to "dig in on their stance" on key issues.

Fox News' Peter Cuddihy contributed to this post.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., on Sunday blasted Rep. Haley Stevens’ decision to cross party lines and endorse Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, calling it a “ridiculous political stunt” and a betrayal of Democratic supporters.

Despite Steven’s unexpected backing, the congresswoman reminded voters that the Michigan Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Rogers is about more than partisan divisions, framing it as a fight against President Donald Trump.

“This race has never been about one person — it is about reining in Donald Trump, protecting our country from fascism, and delivering for the American people,” she said.

“Michiganders deserve a champion in the U.S. Senate, and that is exactly what Abdul El-Sayed will provide. Haley Steven’s choice to endorse Mike Rogers is a ridiculous political stunt and a despicable betrayal of all voters who want to protect our communities from Trump’s authoritarian destruction.”

Jayapal reaffirmed her support for El-Sayed, saying she had backed his candidacy since the early days of his campaign.

“I stand fully behind Abdul, as I have since the first days of his campaign. I encourage all Michiganders who want a vote to end the war in Iran, to provide universal healthcare, and lower costs for all Americans to reject this attempt at division, stay focused on the race at hand, and cast their ballots for Abdul this Election Day,” she said.

Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi on Sunday criticized Rep. Haley Stevens’ cross-party endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, calling it a danger to Michigan families’ healthcare and freedoms.

“Haley Stevens has chosen to dangerously betray Michigan families’ healthcare, freedoms and future with her horrific endorsement of Mike Rogers,” Pelosi said in a post on X.

Pelosi reaffirmed her support for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated Stevens in the Michigan primary.

“@AbdulElSayed must win — because Michigan and our country deserve better,” she said. 

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Sunday slammed Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico as a “democratic socialist,” likening his political views to those of far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The Republican Senate candidate specifically accused his rival of supporting tax increases on workers’ wages and retirement benefits.

“He wants to tax your tips. He wants to tax your overtime, and he wants to tax your Social Security. That's who he is. And no matter how many commercials he runs lying about his record, James Talarico is, simply put, a democratic socialist just like AOC. And just like your mayor, Mamdani,” Paxton said. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday called Rep. Haley Stevens’ cross-party endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers “a despicable betrayal” to the Democratic party.

Schumer reaffirmed Democrats’ support for Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated Stevens in the Democratic primary.

“Senate Democrats are united in our support for Abdul El-Sayed, because we know he will fight for the economic interests of working families in Michigan, unlike Mike Rogers, who is a tool of Donald Trump and billionaire donors,” Schumer said in a post on X.

Stevens’ endorsement marks a setback for Democrats’ broader efforts to secure a Senate majority, particularly after Schumer backed her during the Democratic primary.

Schumer announced his endorsement of Stevens in June during an interview with Punchbowl News. After Stevens lost the primary to Abdul El-Sayed, he quickly reaffirmed his support for the Democratic nominee.

While Stevens was the establishment-backed candidate with support from top Democrats, El-Sayed drew backing from progressive “Squad” Democrats, including Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

A personal and political rift became public Sunday after former Rep. Susan Wild launched a scathing attack on former House roommate Haley Stevens for endorsing Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s high-stakes Senate race.

The duo entered Congress together in 2018 as co-presidents of their freshman class, lived together as roommates in 2023, and saw Stevens support Wild on the House floor following her partner's suicide.

"Both my adult kids know Haley well and are on a texting basis with her," Wild wrote in a statement on X. "We’ve socialized and we have good friends in common."

Noting they previously held differences on key policy matters — specifically regarding support for Israel and AIPAC — Wild said she kept those disagreements quiet because she believed Stevens' positive qualities outweighed them.

Wild characterized the endorsement as "appalling," labeling Rogers a "100% anti-choice politician" and a "Trump loyalist," while accusing him of demonstrating "Islamophobia" in his comments about Abdul El-Sayed.

"I’m shocked by Haley’s endorsement," Wild wrote. "I’m terribly sad and disappointed. I’m furious and will be more so if we lose the MI senate race. So many people in the Democratic Party have shown so much support to Haley over the years, and she has betrayed them all."

The critique turned personal, as Wild directly linked the decision to Stevens' personal life.

"If this is because of her new relationship (about which many of us were so happy for her after she lost the primary), all I can say is that any woman who abandons her friends when a new guy comes along is no friend at all," she added. "The fallout for Haley won’t just be in Dem politics; she will be a pariah among her friends in the Democratic caucus in Congress. Only she will be able to decide whether it was worth it."

Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., criticized Rep. Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, arguing the race should stay focused on voters’ economic concerns.

In a post on X, Slotkin said anyone who makes an election “about themselves” should consider whether they are serving the greater good.

She argued Democrats must focus on winning control of the House and Senate and “saving the middle class.”

Slotkin called the Nov. 3 election “bigger than any one person,” framing it as a choice about the country’s values.

She closed by saying Michigan “elects fighters” and predicting voters would elect El-Sayed on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump on Sunday praised Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens for crossing party lines to endorse Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers.

Trump called the move brave and commended Stevens for doing “what few people are willing to say” after she lost the Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed.

“Wow, this is BIG! Congresswoman Haley Stevens, a Highly Respected Democrat, who narrowly lost in the Primary to Abdul Mohamed El-Sayed, and who has been breathlessly wined and dined by the Dumocrats to help in their Michigan Campaign for the United States Senate against Mike Rogers, has just ENDORSED Mike Rogers for Senate!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

He also highlighted Stevens' broad appeal across Michigan communities, describing her support as a significant boost to Rogers' campaign.

“Her following is huge, and the level of respect from the People of Michigan, especially our African American and Jewish populations, is virtually unparalleled,” he said.

“She showed great and almost unprecedented loyalty to the Great People of Michigan with what she did. It’s a thing called bravery, and few people have it like just displayed by Congresswoman Haley Stevens!”