Two-thirds of Republicans in competitive races distance themselves from Trump

Two-thirds of Republican candidates in competitive US House and Senate races have broken with President Donald Trump on policy or played down ties to him ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

A Reuters review found candidates in 41 of 62 competitive races had sought some distance from Trump, largely through policy disagreements rather than outright rejection of his broader agenda.

Policy differences appeared in 23 races, including 12 involving the Iran conflict, where Republicans backed efforts to curb Trump’s war powers or called for an end to fighting blamed for higher gas prices.

Reuters also found 12 candidates had removed Trump’s name, image or endorsements from campaign websites.

Republican strategist Ron Bonjean said: “If (voters) are not with Trump, then they need to show a break.”

Representative Mike Lawler acknowledged his differences with Trump, saying: “The truth is that the president and I don’t always agree. And that’s OK.”

Trump’s approval rating stands at 32%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.