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.
