Nestpoint's Tim Phillips Discusses Midterm Battlegrounds and Trump's Turnout Strategy with 2WAY's Mark Halperin
Washington, D.C., October 29, 2026 — Following recent visits to several competitive congressional and Senate battlegrounds, Nestpoint's Director of Global and Government Affairs Tim Phillips joined veteran political journalist Mark Halperin on 2WAY to discuss the final stretch of the 2026 midterm elections, offering his assessment of President Donald Trump's campaign appearances, Republican turnout efforts, and the increasingly competitive Senate race in South Carolina.
Phillips, who recently traveled to Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas, shared observations from campaigns across the country before turning to his home state of South Carolina, where Republican Senator Darline Graham faces Democratic challenger Annie Andrews.
Asked about Andrews's chances of winning, Phillips maintained that South Carolina would ultimately remain Republican, despite polls showing a tightening race.
The conversation then turned to Trump's late campaign appearances and their potential impact on voter turnout. Phillips identified two ways the president's visits could benefit Republican candidates: mobilizing supporters who do not consistently participate in elections and reinforcing the party's messaging among a smaller group of swing voters.
“There are a lot of latent Trump supporters who often do not vote,” Phillips said, emphasizing the importance of creating a personal connection that motivates those voters to participate.
He pointed to Kansas, where he believes Trump's campaign presence could improve Republican Senator Roger Marshall's chances in a difficult race. In Nebraska, Phillips expressed greater confidence in Senator Pete Ricketts's campaign, citing its preparation and recent momentum.
“Trump turning out those voters matters,” Phillips said.
Still, Phillips acknowledged that the president's repeated visits to traditionally Republican states also reflect the challenges facing the party. In South Carolina, he described the need for a second presidential rally as a warning sign, even as he continued to predict a Republican victory.
As Republicans work to defend competitive seats across the country, Phillips emphasized the importance of responding to the political conditions in each state rather than relying on past electoral expectations.
The interview originally aired on 2WAY on October 29, 2026. You can watch it here.
About Nestpoint
Nestpoint, with a global footprint and a formidable presence in Washington, D.C., is a leading government affairs, finance, and private equity firm. As a strategic ally, Nestpoint transforms challenges into opportunities through its expertise in policy influence, global networks, and financial innovation, delivering customized solutions for sustained client success. Nestpoint advises multibillion-dollar companies in the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors as well as foreign nations.
