Watch Stream: President Trump Rally In Rochester, Minnesota

ROCHESTER, MN — President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a "Make America Great Again" rally in Rochester, Minnesota Thursday evening. Trump only visited Minnesota once during the 2016 campaign, and he didn't return during the first year of his presidency. But today President Trump will make his second visit to the Land of 10,000 Lakes since June.

Trump's focus on Minnesota

Minnesota is a key battleground state in the 2018 midterms. On top of several congressional districts and the governorship, there are also two U.S. Senate seats up for grabs. Nearly all of the races are expected to be close.

Trump visited Duluth in June, a city which features one of the most competitive congressional races in the country this year. Trump won Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District in 2016, but voters there also reelected Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan.

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But Nolan is retiring, and Republicans are hopeful Trump-endorsed candidate Pete Stauber can beat Democrat Joe Radinovich.

Also read:

• Obama Endorses 17 Minnesota Candidates Ahead Of Midterms: List
  
• Minnesota's 2018 Elections: Candidates, Races To Watch This Fall

Southern Minnesota

It's a similar story in the district hosting Trump Thursday. Democratic Rep. Tim Walz has represented Minnesota's First Congressional District — which covers much of rural, southern Minnesota — since 2007. But because Walz is leaving his seat to run for governor, Republicans have a good shot at flipping the district red.

"For Minnesota Republicans, this is a dream come true," Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan, speaking of Trump's visit, said in a statement.

"The importance of Minnesota towards protecting the House and Senate this election cycle is evident, and we appreciate the President's support of our candidates and all Minnesotans," she added.

Trump will speak at Rochester's Mayo Civic Center. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

You can register for tickets here. Tickets are being distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Traffic

Motorists in the Rochester area may encounter traffic delays and temporary stoppage of traffic on Rochester area state highways 14, 52 and 63 during the presidential visit Thursday afternoon and evening, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said in a news release.

Electronic message boards will be used on Rochester area highways to provide motorists with information about traffic delays and stoppages.

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Photo: Supporters wait for the start of a campaign rally with President Donald Trump at the Amsoil Arena on June 20, 2018 in Duluth, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)