Thousands expressed their support for President Donald Trump Friday at Daytona Beach rally in the final push to the midterms.
Some supporters said they drove for hours, while others used ride-share services to avoid traffic and gridlock. Many were in line outside the Ocean Center before sunrise, and crowds began filing out later in the day.
David Dempster, a Trump supporter who was born in Scotland, made the four-hour trip to Daytona Beach.
“I’m an American by choice, not by birth,” he said. “I chose to become an American. And this is marvelous.
Dempster said no other candidate has ever inspired him to show up.
“I think he’s a very special man,” he said. “I think he’s saving this country and this world and I’m here to support him.”
When asked why the president chose reliably red Daytona Beach, Phyllis Purvis said, “He’s from Florida, don’t forget, so Florida has a special place in his heart.”
Trump won Florida three times, but the last open governor’s race here in 2018 was so close that it went to a recount.
The close contest between Rep. Byron Donalds and David Jolly was on the minds of many.
“I think he’s here to keep the push going because of the history of the of the party in power losing,” supporter Craig Gabriel said. “They stay home. If you think Trump’s people are just going to walk in and win without voting, you’re wrong. You have to vote.”
Not everyone outside the Ocean Center was there to support Trump.
Michelle Harle was outside the venue protesting with a megaphone, citing rising gas prices and the continued war in Iran.
“I think people just pop on their red caps and think, ‘I’m here and part of this team,’” she said. “It’s been a decade of Make America Great again, and it’s not for anyone really.”
Marilyn Silva, another supporter, said she plans to continue backing Trump regardless of the results on Tuesday.
“Nobody can work harder than him,” she said. “So if the Republicans don’t get in, it’s nothing he’s done. So I’m just hoping everybody keep some common sense and votes all the right people in.”
Florida has two more days of early voting before midterm Election Day on Tuesday.