Trump rallies in North Carolina to boost Senate hopeful Michael Whatley

Donald Trump traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, to campaign for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley, marking his first major appearance after the party's midterm convention. Whatley, a veteran GOP operative and former RNC chair, is trailing former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper in recent polls. While Trump retains strong backing among the party base, the campaign must also attract the state's sizable bloc of swing and unaffiliated voters, who are worried about cost-of-living issues amplified by high gasoline and diesel prices.

A recent one outlet/Ipsos poll shows Trump's approval at 35%, and Democrats lead Republicans 44% to 37% on the generic congressional ballot. Analysts note that winning unaffiliated voters, who make up about 40% of the electorate, is essential for a GOP victory in the Senate race.