Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Reuters Finds GOP Candidates Distancing Themselves From Trump
Reuters looked at candidates in close races for the U.S. House and Senate.
It found that candidates in 41 of 62 races had shown some distance from President Donald Trump.
Some disagreed with him about particular policies, especially the Iran conflict.
Others removed his name or picture from campaign websites or avoided his events.
Most have not rejected his larger political agenda.
They are trying to win over voters who may not support Trump while keeping his loyal supporters.
A poll found Trump's approval rating was 32%, and more voters favored Democrats than Republicans.
The elections are scheduled for November 3.
Reuters found candidates in 41 of 62 competitive House and Senate races sought distance from Trump through policy disagreements or reduced public ties.
Policy differences appeared in 23 races, including disputes over the Iran conflict in 12 contests and data-center development in three.
Twelve candidates removed Trump's name, image or endorsements from campaign websites; others skipped his events or declined to say whether they wanted his help.
Most candidates have not rejected Trump's broader agenda, balancing selective disagreements with continued public support to appeal to independents without alienating his core voters.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll put Trump's approval at 32%; Democrats led Republicans 44% to 37% among registered voters and 37% to 21% among independents.
- Who
- Republican candidates in competitive congressional races and President Donald Trump.
- What
- A Reuters review found many candidates had diverged from Trump on specific issues or reduced their public association with him.
- When
- Ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
- Where
- Competitive U.S. House and Senate races across the United States.
- Why
- Candidates appear to be seeking support from independent voters amid weak polling for Trump, while avoiding a direct break with him and his supporters.
Candidates Seeking Distance
Trump and His Supporters
Campaign strategy
Candidates Seeking Distance
Some Republican candidates and advisers say reducing visible ties to Trump or breaking with him on selected issues may help attract independent voters.
Trump and His Supporters
White House spokesman Davis Ingle called Trump the party's “unequivocal leader, best messenger and unmatched motivator”; directly challenging him could alienate his committed supporters.
Policy disagreements
Candidates Seeking Distance
Some candidates have opposed or questioned individual Trump positions, including his approach to the Iran conflict, beef imports, data-center development and other proposals.
Trump and His Supporters
Most candidates have not rejected Trump's broader agenda, and some continue to appear with him and express support while disagreeing on particular issues.
- Competitive races reviewed
- 62 House and Senate races
- Races where candidates sought distance
- 41
- Races with policy differences
- 23
- Races with Iran-related disagreements
- 12
- Candidates who removed Trump references from campaign websites
- 12
- Trump approval in Reuters/Ipsos poll
- 32%
- Registered voter preference
- Democrats 44%; Republicans 37%
- Independent voter preference
- Democrats 37%; Republicans 21%
