Trump Calls Alabama Midterm Rally a ‘Sign of Respect’ to State That Backed Him From the Beginning
President Donald Trump returned to Mobile, Alabama, on Friday for a midterm campaign rally, telling supporters that his visit to the heavily Republican state was a “sign of respect” for voters who have supported him since the beginning of his political career.
Trump spoke at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama, where he campaigned for Republican candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Alabama has consistently been one of Trump’s strongest states, with the president carrying it in all three of his presidential campaigns.
The president explained that his reason for visiting Alabama was different from his campaign stop in Texas a day earlier. Trump said he traveled to Texas because Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton is involved in a competitive race, while his Alabama appearance was primarily about showing appreciation to longtime supporters.
“I’m here to say hello, I love you and really as a sign of respect,” Trump told the crowd. He said political leaders should remember to return to states where voters have supported them consistently, even when those states are not considered major electoral battlegrounds.
Mobile holds particular significance in Trump’s political history. During his first presidential campaign in August 2015, Trump held a massive rally in the city that drew an estimated 30,000 people and became one of the earliest demonstrations of the size and enthusiasm of his political following.
Trump recalled how organizers initially planned a much smaller event before overwhelming demand forced them to move to a football stadium. “It sort of all began here,” Trump said, recalling the event. “We packed the stadium, and the rest is history.”
The president used Friday’s rally to support several Republican candidates, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor, and Rep. Barry Moore, who is seeking Tuberville’s Senate seat. Trump also promoted state Rep. Rhett Marques and former Rep. Jerry Carl in their congressional races.
Trump urged his supporters not to become complacent despite Republican strength in Alabama. He once again encouraged voters to approach the midterm elections as though his own name were on the ballot, arguing that strong turnout from his political base will be important for Republican candidates across the country.
The president also highlighted federal funding for Alabama infrastructure, including approximately $3 billion for the Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. Trump joked that Tuberville could eventually name the bridge after him if he wins the governor’s race.
Trump’s visit is part of an aggressive campaign schedule ahead of the midterms as Republicans fight to maintain control of Congress. He has been traveling to support GOP candidates while urging his supporters to turn out even in states where Republicans have traditionally held large advantages.
The president will not be away from Alabama for long. Trump announced that he plans to return on Oct. 10 to attend the highly anticipated college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs, telling supporters that his connection to the state extends well beyond Friday’s campaign rally.