what is a telerally: Trump's tele-rallies before the midterms
A telerally is a rally held by phone or video rather than in person, in which a political figure speaks to supporters and voters from a distance. The Republican National Committee planned telerallies for Trump aimed at 19 states before the midterm elections.
Why it's in the news
Trump restored in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas after the Republican National Committee had replaced them with telerallies, three days before the midterm elections. The change came as polls show close Senate races in both states.
- Midterms — Trump restores Iowa and Kansas rallies as midterms near
Background
A telerally is a political event held over telephone or video instead of in a public hall or outdoor space. The speaker addresses a large audience of supporters or voters who take part from home, so the event reaches many places without travel. The term is a variation of the older word rally, meaning a gathering held to support a candidate or cause.
Trump's telerallies were announced by the Republican National Committee on Thursday, before the November 2026 midterm elections. The committee said that Trump would take part in telerallies targeting 19 states instead of holding in-person rallies in Kansas and Iowa. On Friday, a source said the in-person rallies were back on for Sunday, in addition to the telerallies. Trump has said his voice is wearing down, and he has held many in-person rallies this month.
The telerallies matter now because the midterm elections are three days away and both Kansas and Iowa are seen as competitive, with polls showing close Senate races in each state. Political prognosticators widely predict Democrats will make significant gains in Congress, possibly taking the House. Telerallies let a campaign reach voters in many states in the final days without extra travel.
What people are asking
Where were the telerallies aimed?
The Republican National Committee said the telerallies would target 19 states.
Are the Iowa and Kansas rallies still happening?
On Friday, a source said Trump's rallies in Iowa and Kansas were back on for Sunday, in addition to the telerallies.
When is the midterm election?
The midterm elections are scheduled for Election Day, three days after the date of this news report.