50 Million Have Voted as Trump Defends Iowa Candidate's Weight

Approximately 50 million Americans have already cast their ballots ahead of Tuesday's election, according to reports from the Washington area. President Donald Trump spent the weekend campaigning in Iowa and Kansas, two states that have historically favored Republicans but now function as competitive battlegrounds.

The race in Kansas may break a nearly 100-year streak of Republican control over the state's Senate seat. Incumbent Roger Marshall released a closing argument video on Sunday to address criticism regarding his medical practices. Although Marshall's staff reportedly opposed the release, fearing it would cause more damage than good, New York Times polling indicates Democrat Adam Hamilton holds a five-point lead over the Republican incumbent.

In Iowa, the contest remains tight. During a campaign stop, Trump commented on the physical appearance of Republican candidate Ashley Hinson. He stated that he had known her for a long time and noted she was "a little bit heavier" in the past. Trump claimed Hinson understood the significance of the race and followed a regimen to get into "perfect shape." He added that Hinson had asked him not to bring up the topic.

Democrats require a net gain of four seats to regain control of the Senate. Both parties view victory in Iowa and Kansas as essential to their respective goals for the chamber.