50 million have voted as Trump courts Iowa and Kansas

Fifty million Americans had already cast their ballots on the eve of the election. President Donald Trump spent the weekend in two states that are expected to decide the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. He campaigned in Iowa and Kansas, two states that have traditionally favored Republican candidates but are now viewed as competitive races.

In Kansas, the race for the Senate seat has tightened considerably. The state has not sent a Democrat to the Senate in nearly a century. New York Times polling places Democrat Adam Hamilton five points ahead of incumbent Republican Roger Marshall. Marshall released a closing argument video on Sunday to address criticism of his medical practices. His staff reportedly opposed the release, fearing it would be counterproductive.

In Iowa, Trump addressed questions about the physical appearance of his fellow Republican, Ashley Hinson. He stated that he knew her for a long time and that she was previously heavier. He claimed she went on a regimen to get in shape because she understood the importance of the race. Trump also said Hinson had asked him not to bring up the topic, though he proceeded to describe her as being in perfect shape.

The outcome of these two states is central to the larger battle for the chamber. Democrats need to win four net seats to regain control of the Senate. Both parties view victory in Iowa and Kansas as essential to achieving that goal. With Tuesday’s vote approaching, the margins in both states remain narrow.