Trump’s Dalton Rally: Gurley Joins as Ossoff Leads Polls

Key points

• Todd Gurley, a former Georgia Bulldogs star and three-time Pro Bowler, traveled on Air Force One with Trump to the Dalton rally, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
• Trump claimed Ossoff’s 2020 election was illegitimate and criticized his physical appearance, calling him 'Open Borders Ossoff' and praising Collins as 'all man.'
• Ossoff currently leads Collins by nine points in recent polls, despite Trump’s efforts to energize the Republican base in Georgia.
• Early voting data in Iowa and North Carolina shows a substantial Democratic advantage, with Democrats outvoting Republicans by 23 to 28 points in those states.
• The rally drew approximately 1,200 attendees, with Trump arriving 80 minutes late and addressing topics including immigration, the Iran war, and economic policies.

Background

This rally is part of Trump’s third visit to Georgia this year, following previous stops in Rome and other locations. The presence of athletes like Gurley and Gunner Stockton highlights a trend of professional sports figures supporting the Republican party. The 2022 Senate race between Herschel Walker and Raphael Warnock is a relevant historical context for Georgia’s political dynamics.

How outlets are covering it

OutKick emphasized the significance of Gurley’s attendance, framing it as a positive sign for Republican support among athletes. The Guardian focused on Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election and his criticism of Ossoff, highlighting the political tensions. CNN provided a broader national context, noting the Democratic advantage in early voting and the impact of the Iran war on energy prices. The outlets differ in their emphasis: OutKick on athlete support, The Guardian on election integrity, and CNN on national voting trends.

Why it matters

The rally underscores the competitive nature of the 2026 midterms in Georgia, a key swing state. Trump’s efforts to mobilize the base and attract high-profile figures like Gurley aim to counter Ossoff’s polling lead. The early voting data in other states suggests a potential Democratic advantage, which could influence the national narrative and resource allocation for the midterms.

What to watch

The focus will shift to the November 3 election, with continued efforts by both parties to mobilize voters. Trump may hold additional rallies in red states, while Democrats will likely emphasize early voting and turnout. The outcome in Georgia could have significant implications for Senate control and the broader midterm results.