SIOUX CITY, Iowa — President Donald Trump energized a packed crowd at Sioux Gateway Airport on Oct. 22 as he campaigned for a slate of Republican midterm candidates in Iowa, including U.S. Senate hopeful Ashley Hinson.
High-profile boost for GOP contenders
The rally, one of several stops by Trump in the final stretch before the Nov. midterm elections, featured local and statewide candidates onstage alongside the former president. Among those who appeared with Trump were U.S. Senate hopeful Ashley Hinson, gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn, and congressional hopeful Joe Mitchell, who presented Trump with a self-styled “Man of the Century” award during the event.
"What I came up with, Mr. President, is a new award. It's called the 'Man of the Century Award,'" Joe Mitchell said while presenting the certificate onstage.
Trump acknowledged the gesture and embraced Hinson during the rally, emphasizing his support for Republican candidates across the state as they seek to flip or defend key seats in Congress and state government.
Key moments and messaging
The former president’s speech ran more than an hour and a half, touching on national themes and criticism of the Biden administration while delivering targeted appeals for Iowa voters to support local Republicans. Trump also reiterated claims about the 2020 election, asserting, "They cheated us on the second one, because we won it three times," and saying he believed he had "the right to run again."
Compared with some of his recent appearances, organizers and observers noted fewer interruptions from protesters during the Sioux City event. The crowd responded enthusiastically to Trump’s remarks and the visible show of support for Hinson and other candidates.
Local implications and turnout
Trump’s endorsement and visible presence aim to energize the GOP base in Iowa, a state that has been politically competitive in recent cycles. Campaign appearances by high-profile national figures often translate into increased fundraising, volunteer sign-ups and voter turnout for the endorsed candidates, particularly in closely contested races.
- Primary endorsements: Ashley Hinson (U.S. Senate), Zach Lahn (governor), Joe Mitchell (2nd Congressional District)
- Location: Sioux Gateway Airport, Sioux City
- Date: Oct. 22, 2026
Who was on stage and what it signals
In addition to the named candidates, Trump shared the stage with other Republicans seeking office and supporters from around the region. The presence of incumbents and challengers alongside Trump signals a unified push by the state GOP to consolidate support ahead of Election Day.
For Hinson, who is running for the U.S. Senate, the event offered an opportunity to shore up conservative voters and draw national attention and resources to her campaign. For other local candidates, the rally provided similar benefits: high-energy exposure and an influx of volunteers and donations.
Practical information for voters
With early and absentee voting already underway in parts of Iowa for the midterms, campaigns are pressing voters to cast ballots now. Residents can find details on early voting and polling place locations through their county auditor’s office or the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. Voters should bring acceptable identification and, if voting absentee, ensure ballots are completed and returned by local deadlines.
| Candidate | Office |
|---|---|
| Ashley Hinson | U.S. Senate candidate |
| Zach Lahn | Gubernatorial candidate |
| Joe Mitchell | Candidate, 2nd Congressional District |
What to watch next
As the midterms approach, both parties will continue staging events across Iowa to mobilize voters in suburban and rural counties that could decide close contests. How effectively campaigns translate rallies into turnout and whether endorsements by national figures shift undecided voters will be central to outcomes in the coming weeks.
The Sioux City rally underscored the national attention focused on Iowa this cycle, with campaigns on both sides seeking to capitalize on energized bases and swing constituencies. Voters weighing their choices have several avenues to review candidate positions, including campaign websites, local debates and nonpartisan voter guides offered by civic groups and county election officials.
Coverage of the rally continues as campaigns report fundraising and field operation developments ahead of Election Day.
