The path to a U.S. House majority runs through heavily Latino districts in states such as Arizona, Colorado and Texas, where Democrats are counting on disaffected Trump supporters to swing back their way.

"She said that it was a Troy supporter. She accused me of setting that up. I had no idea who it was," Jackson said.

The candidates' retreat suggests that, even as reproductive rights fade from the national spotlight and polls show voters are far more likely to prioritize cost-of-living concerns, the political ramifications of pushing for new abortion restrictions remain substantial.

The hundreds of planned events were being billed as nonpartisan, though they sought to build on nearly two years' worth of No Kings marches and demonstrations by people upset with Trump's presidency.

Ever the optimist, Speaker Mike Johnson said he believes Republicans will hold on to their U.S. House majority, defying a surge of Democratic momentum in the final stretch of the midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.

Many of the Democrats' ads accuse Republican opponents of siding with the president over voters, particularly on issues like tariffs and the Iran war, which they blame for jacking up costs.

The Democrat faces more than $158 million in outside spending by Republican leadership and the world's richest man, Elon Musk.

Republican Rep. Michelle Fischbach will face Democratic challenger and small business owner Erik Osberg on the debate stage Thursday.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson will meet on the debate stage Thursday in one of the nation's most closely watched races during this midterm election cycle.

Let's get into the map and math.

President Donald Trump is making an unusual campaign trip with the midterm elections looming.