Most Republicans in tight midterm races distance themselves from Trump, review finds
SPY•Two-thirds of Republican candidates in 62 competitive U.S. House and Senate races have diverged from President Donald Trump on policy or played down ties to him, a review found. The review identified distancing in 41 races, with Iran policy a source of division in 12 contests.
1. Candidates seek distance
Republican candidates in 41 of 62 competitive congressional races have sought some distance from Trump, the review of voting records, public statements and campaign materials found. Most have diverged on individual issues rather than rejected his broader agenda; policy differences appeared in 23 races.
2. Iran and campaign ties
In 12 contests, candidates split with Trump over the Iran conflict, including by voting to curb his war powers or publicly calling for an end to the fighting. A dozen candidates removed Trump's name, image or endorsements from campaign websites, mostly after winning their party nominations.
3. Poll and examples
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump's approval rating at 32%, with registered voters favoring Democrats over Republicans 44% to 37%; among independents, the margin was 37% to 21%. The review cited Republican Senator Pete Ricketts criticizing Trump's beef-import plan while backing him at a rally, and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks opposing his policy on beef imports and voting to limit his Iran war powers.
