Trump rallies in Kansas for midterms as early voting opens in Texas

As the November 3 midterm elections draw closer, US President Donald Trump holds his first campaign rally in Kansas in eight years to mount a final-stage push to consolidate Republican seats in Congress.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Monday has put Trump's approval rating at 31%, a record low in his political career.

This while a crucial period of early in-person voting is underway across GOP stronghold Texas where many voters call for a change.

In the deep-red Midwestern state of Kansas where Donald Trump won by 16 percentage points in 2024, thousands of supporters have gathered outside the Park City rally since the morning.

A staunch Republican voter says she trusts the president despite concerns about soaring gas prices. Another voter expected Trump to formally address the nation about the Iran war "so people could have a little more confidence in that they feel like they have the right information."

Voter Tami Gray says: "What I really like to see him do is speak to America in a very formal way. Talk to them about what's going on in the war."

Trump took the stage Monday night to energise Senator Roger Marshall - who's fighting for a second term against challenger Democrat Adam Hamilton - and to back Republican Ty Masterson for Kansas governor.

At least three hecklers are taken out at the start of the rally, their protest obscured by raucous chants of "USA!" from the crowd.

Trump is barnstorming the country in what some have called a "desperation tour" aimed at rescuing Republicans from losing their seats. Some critics suggest he might actually be making life harder by nationalising races that candidates would prefer to keep local.

Concurrently, authorities in Houston, Texas, have opened lines to commence the first voting day of the 12-day early window that runs through October 30.

Residents are seen queueing up outside polling stations with some waiting over an hour to cast ballots.

Some voters note their frustrations with corruption and illegal activities happening in Washington have motivated them to opt for Democrats because they believe the country is in "great trouble."

Voter Mark Jones says, "We've had Republicans running the state for 30 years. You looked at some of the stats at this state, and they are staggering where we are on education and poverty and homelessness. So for me, it's time for a change."