Donald Trump is tentatively planning a political rally in Mobile, Alabama, next week, despite the state being regarded as a safe Republican stronghold as his party battles to retain control of Congress in more competitive contests.
The event has been pencilled in for 2 October, but preparations remain unconfirmed and could change, according to two people with direct knowledge of the plans.
A rally in Alabama would be an unusual campaign stop for the president during the general election season. Democrats are mounting serious challenges for Senate seats in traditionally Republican states including Alaska and Texas, but Alabama is not viewed as a state where they have a realistic chance of winning statewide office.
The visit could nevertheless bolster support for state representative Rhett Marques, who is facing Democratic congressman Shomari Figures in a relatively competitive race. Marques is considered to have the advantage after the Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a reconfigured House map affecting Figures’ majority-Black district.
Mobile is outside that district. Neither campaign immediately responded to requests for comment, while the White House and Republican National Committee also did not immediately comment on the proposed rally.
Trump has already used a rally in a solidly Republican state to support a candidate this election cycle, appearing in South Carolina last month for Senator Darline Graham during her primary run-off. He has also begun visiting battlegrounds, campaigning in North Carolina last week alongside Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley.
The potential Alabama visit follows the announcement that the Trump administration had granted a 2.5 billion dollar loan to the Alabama Toll Road, Bridge, and Tunnel Authority. The funding is intended to support construction of the Mobile River Bridge, described as the largest infrastructure project in the state’s history.
Trump also maintains close ties with Republican congressman Barry Moore, who is running for the Senate in Alabama. Senator Tommy Tuberville, another ally, is the Republican nominee for governor and will face Democratic former senator Doug Jones, whom he defeated in 2020.
