Former President Donald Trump arrives in Ohio tonight to stump for author and venture capitalist J.D. Vance in the final hours of the state’s controversial Senate election, but he may steal the show from Tuesday’s election.
President Trump is scheduled to address at 8 p.m. at Dayton International Airport in Bandelia. Vance and other congressional candidates endorsed by the former president will take the stage at 5 p.m.
The visits are made not only to governors and state legislatures across the country, but also on the eve of midterm elections, which determine which party controls legislatures. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and other statewide Republican candidates are expected to attend Monday’s rally.
Trump’s visit has been billed as an effort to energize voters for Tuesday’s election, but it could also impact the 2024 presidential election. The former president is widely expected to announce his candidacy for re-election this month, with some reports suggesting he may announce the news on Monday night.
On Monday, The Hill reported that “Trump is discussing the possibility of announcing his 2024 presidential run as early as Monday night with several aides.”
“The sources, who requested anonymity to discuss the conversation, ostensibly said Trump would boost support for GOP Senator candidate J.D. Vance ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections at a Monday night rally in Ohio. He said he was considering an announcement intended for
Trump won the Buckeye state in 2016 and 2020 by eight percentage points.
This story will be updated.
Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau serving Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 affiliated news outlets in Ohio.
