Former President Donald Trump is holding a rally today near the Dayton International Airport on midterm elections eve.
Media outlets, including Axios and The Hill, are reporting that some Republican sources believe Trump might announce a 2024 presidential bid at the rally.
Hundreds of people from across the Midwest have been waiting in line outside since early this morning or even yesterday to get the best seat possible for the former president’s rally.
They clapped as law enforcement swept the area hours before the speakers got on stage. One person yelled. "we back the blue."
Silas Alton traveled from Newcastle, Indiana for the rally. He was one of the first people in line.
“I’ve been here since 6 in the afternoon yesterday,” Alton said. “I’m very tired but very excited.”
Ohio GOP Chairman Bob Paduchik did a live interview with Right Side Broadcasting Network on a stage in front of the line to get in. He predicted that Republicans will win the both governor and U.S. Senate race in Ohio by a larger margin than expected and got a big round of applause from the crowd.
Food trucks and vendors are also set up in the parking lot.
Vendors are selling all sorts of gear — including a few people with "White Lives Matter" shirts at their booths.
A few people wearing clothes with the Proud Boys logo handed out literature as people approached the line to get in.
The rally is being held next to local fuel supplier company Wright Bros Aero. Trump is here to stump for Republican senate candidate J.D. Vance, who is in a tight race with Democrat Tim Ryan.
Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who is on the ballot against former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley tomorrow, has said he will attend as well.
Doors open at 3 p.m., opening speakers start at 5 p.m., and Trump speaks at 8 p.m.
Chris Welter is a reporter and corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms.
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