Trump Brings Midterm Blitz to Kentucky for 2 PM Rally at NKU

President Donald Trump speaks at 2 p.m. Eastern on Saturday at Truist Arena, on the Northern Kentucky University campus in Highland Heights. The rally is the latest stop on his multi-state midterm blitz for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 elections. Doors open at 10 a.m.

Highland Heights police say drivers should expect heavy traffic around the university between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with delays and possible road closures. The department told residents and visitors to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and consider other routes.

Who he is there for

The rally sits in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. Trump held an event there in March for Republican candidate Ed Gallrein, who went on to beat incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie, a frequent Trump critic, in the May primary. Gallrein now faces Democrat Melissa Strange in the general election, and he is expected at the rally.

Andy Barr is also expected. Barr is the Republican nominee for the open Senate seat left by Mitch McConnell's retirement, and he faces Democrat Charles Booker. The White House offered Barr a speaking slot at the rally. He told reporters this week it is an important opportunity for everyone running for office, and that the president cares very much about the midterm elections, Kentucky Lantern reported.

Why Kentucky, a safe Republican state

Both the Senate race and the 4th District race are rated solid Republican by the Cook Political Report, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Trump has still been touring Republican states to lift his party's candidates. Forecasters have also tightened the odds in Kentucky's 6th District, where Republican Ralph Alvarado faces Democrat Zach Dembo, which gives the visit a second purpose beyond the two headliners.

What to know if you go

The event is free, but registration is required, and signups are limited to four tickets per person. Ticketholders should dress warm. The National Weather Service office in Wilmington, Ohio expects no rain on Saturday, but the high will reach only near 54 degrees, with a low around 31 degrees, the Courier-Journal reported. Supporters waited for hours in the rain at Trump's March visit to Hebron. This time the wait will be cold, not wet.

The wider tour

Kentucky is one stop among several. Trump has been on a speaking tour of Republican states in recent weeks to tout GOP candidates, Kentucky Lantern reported. Saturday's crowd will also hear from candidates down the ballot, with Barr's speaking slot confirmed by the White House offer he described to reporters on Tuesday, ahead of a hemp industry roundtable in the state.