U.S. President Donald Trump campaigned in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on June 5 to rally support for Republicans seeking to keep control of the House of Representatives in the November midterm elections [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Trump promised a quick end to the war with Iran, saying the U.S. would "come out of Iran very quickly" and that fertilizer prices would drop significantly, similar to prices four months ago before the conflict began [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]. He described the war's end as a "strong one way or the other" outcome [1, 2, 4, 5, 6].
Trump said negotiations with Iran's leadership were difficult because the Iranian leaders are "strong and proud," which has delayed a ceasefire, but he predicted they will eventually have to accept terms favorable to the U.S. [2]. Although talks have made some progress, no peace deal has yet been reached [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]. Trump urged Wisconsin voters to energize and support Republicans to maintain the House majority, currently held at 217-212 seats [1, 2, 4].
The region's farmers have been hard hit since the US-Israeli war with Iran started on February 28, when fighting triggered closures near the Strait of Hormuz and caused fertilizer component prices to surge [3]. An April survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation found 70% of farmers cannot afford all of their fertilizer needs due to these high costs [3]. Gasoline prices in Wisconsin averaged $4.04 per gallon this week, up $1.08 compared to last year, further straining residents and farmers alike [3, 5].
Incumbent Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden, a close Trump ally, is seeking reelection in a competitive Wisconsin district that Democrats hope to flip [1, 3, 5]. Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke criticized Trump’s tariff policies and the war as harmful to farmers [1, 3, 5]. At the rally, some attendees were enthusiastic supporters of Trump, while others voiced skepticism over his Iran policies and the rising gas prices [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]. Wisconsin data analyst Tom Paff said he supports Trump but opposes U.S. involvement in the Middle East and is unhappy with high gas prices. He said, "I don’t think we belong in the Middle East at all" [1, 2, 4, 5, 6].
Trump’s campaign stop in Wisconsin highlighted the ongoing challenges the conflict with Iran has imposed on the local economy and the stakes for control of the House in the 2026 midterms. The November elections will determine which party holds the narrow majority currently in place.
