Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) told reporters Thursday that he plans to travel to Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa this weekend to campaign and raise funds for Republican Senate candidates.
The Louisiana Republican said he couldn’t believe he needed to stop in the three typically red-leaning states ahead of the midterm elections.
“This weekend, I’m going to Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa to help raise money and campaign for our very good candidates,” Kennedy said.
“If you told me six months ago I was going to be having to spend my time in those three states, I wouldn’t have believed you. Those oughta be fat guy layups for us. Now we’re gonna win there. But the races are close,” he added.
Watch below:
Sen. Kennedy. "I'm going to KS, NE, IA to help raise money and campaign for our very good candidates. If you told me 6 months ago I was gonna be having to spend my time in those 3 states, I wouldn't have believed you. Those ought to be fat guy layups for us…the races are close" pic.twitter.com/l03WnmixR2
— tyson brody (@tysonbrody) September 17, 2026
Mediaite shared further:
Cook Political Report rates the races in Kansas and Nebraska as “likely” Republican holds and Iowa as a “toss-up.” Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) is aiming to fend off a challenge from Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton, while Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) will face independent challenger Dan Osborn.
ADVERTISEMENTA Democrat has not represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate since the 1930s.
A Fox News poll released on Wednesday had more bad news for Trump and Republicans, as 62% of people say higher grocery prices are a “major problem” for their families.
“A new Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media poll finds 45% of Kansas voters support Democrat Adam Hamilton and 43% support incumbent Republican Roger Marshall in the U.S. Senate race. Libertarian David Graham has 4% support, and 8% are undecided,” Emerson College Polling wrote.
KANSAS POLL – Senate
🟦 Adam Hamilton: 45%
🟥 Roger Marshall: 43%
🟨 David Graham: 4%Emerson (A) | 9/15-16 | 750 LVhttps://t.co/w6oyJDNFAR pic.twitter.com/12MXLFZNeA
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) September 18, 2026
A poll published by FiftyPlusOne has Osborn leading Ricketts in Nebraska by 4 percent.
NEBRASKA POLL By Survey USA (A)
SENATE
🟨 Dan Osborn: 46%
🟥 Pete Ricketts (i): 42%
——
GOVERNOR
🟥 Jim Pillen (i): 43%
🟦 Lynn Walz: 35%
——
NE-02
🟦 Denise Powell: 46%
🟥 Brinker Harding: 42%For Grant Forbes, LLC | 9/8-13 | 503 LVhttps://t.co/7lltcsvJAc pic.twitter.com/eU6P6nDieQ
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) September 14, 2026
Most polls show a tight race in Iowa.
IOWA POLL By YouGov
SENATE
🟦 Josh Turek: 47%
🟥 Ashley Hinson: 43%
——
GOVERNOR
🟦 Rob Sand: 51%
🟥 Zach Lahn: 41%Recalled: Trump 50-38 | 9-3/8 | 2,041 LVhttps://t.co/edG26iageT pic.twitter.com/ohuwiqEvQk
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) September 11, 2026
IOWA POLL – Senate
🟦 Josh Turek: 45%
🟥 Ashley Hinson: 40%
🟨 Thomas Laehn: 4%
——
Unaffiliated voters
🟦 Josh Turek: 49%
🟥 Ashley Hinson: 28%@Rasmussen_Poll | 9-8/10 | 1,031 LVhttps://t.co/hfM8w0HQpZ pic.twitter.com/4jtFMptDGx— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) September 11, 2026
The Hill has more:
Kennedy said Republicans need to focus their message on inflation and the economy, which have remained top concerns for voters heading into the midterms amid the Iran war.
“We’ve got to talk about the economy. We’ve got to talk about the cost of living,” he said.
Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, meaning Democrats need to a net gain of four seats for control of the chamber.






