Republican candidates weigh how to align with Trump as midterms near

Key Points:

• Several Republican congressional candidates, including Texas’s Carlos De La Cruz, have subtly downplayed their public association with former President Donald Trump after winning primaries, despite still valuing his endorsement.
• Candidates face a delicate balance between appealing to Trump’s loyal base and broadening their appeal to moderate voters amid Trump’s low approval ratings and controversial policies, such as the unpopular war with Iran.
• While some candidates have removed or minimized Trump references from websites and campaign materials, many maintain support for his agenda and emphasize that any changes are routine post-primary messaging adjustments.
• A few Republicans, like Rep. Mike Lawler and Rep. Tom Barrett, have highlighted policy differences with Trump, particularly on issues like taxation and military actions, to appeal to a wider electorate.
• Trump continues to be a critical motivator for Republican voters, and he is actively encouraging turnout by urging supporters to vote as if he were on the ballot in the upcoming midterm elections.