US President Donald Trump has warned Ohio voters that his administration could be less willing to support the state if Democrats win key races in the November 3 midterm elections.

Speaking at a rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on Saturday, Trump urged supporters to vote for Republican candidates, including US Senator Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

“Just get out and vote,” Trump told the crowd, saying Republicans would win “big” if supporters turned out.

Trump also launched a series of profane attacks against Democrats, calling them “dumb son of a bitches” while arguing that Republican control would give Ohio officials greater access to his administration and make it easier for the state to secure federal assistance.

He said Republican officials regularly contact him to seek funding for Ohio, but suggested he would be less inclined to accommodate Democrats if they win key races. Referring to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, Trump said, “But I’m not going to help her.”

The warning comes as Republicans face competitive races across the country, with Democrats hoping to make gains in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Polls have indicated that Democrats could improve their position, while Trump insisted Republicans would outperform expectations.

“I think we’re going to have a big surprise because they don’t know what’s happening,” Trump said.

Ohio is among eight Senate races considered competitive, with Husted facing former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and Ramaswamy running against Acton in the gubernatorial contest.

Husted is relying on Trump’s support to mobilise Republican voters, while also attacking Brown’s political record.

“He’s been in office for 50 years — can you name one thing that he has done for you?” Husted asked rallygoers.

Brown’s campaign, however, accused Husted of supporting Trump’s Iran policy and “sweetheart tax deals” that it said attracted data centres to Ohio. Campaign spokesperson Lauren Chou said Husted “puts corporations and billionaires first every time.”

Economic concerns are also emerging as a major issue in the race. Ohio gasoline prices have risen 35% over the past year to an average of $4.16 per gallon, according to AAA, while Canadian retaliatory tariffs linked to Trump’s trade policies are affecting about $3 billion worth of Ohio exports, based on 2025 figures cited by CBC.

The debate over data centres has further complicated the campaign, with voters divided over their economic benefits and impact on local communities.

Independent voter Jonathan Smith, a 19-year-old construction worker, held a sign asking, “Where are my lower gas prices?” outside his former high school in Vandalia.

“I’ve got a wedding to save up for, and with gas prices continuously going up, it’s getting harder and harder to put aside money,” Smith said, adding that he was still undecided in the Senate race.

Some rally attendees also expressed reservations about the expansion of AI data centres, while others supported the projects as potential replacements for traditional industries.

The Ohio races have attracted tens of millions of dollars in outside spending, making the Husted-Brown Senate contest the second-most-expensive Senate race in the country, according to Federal Election Commission filings. (Arise News)

Update news