President Donald Trump held his first official Oklahoma rally in six years on Thursday. Thousands packed the Choctaw Event Center in Durant for the start of his midterm campaign blitz.

Trump told the cheering crowd they must “vote like I’m on the ballot.” He repeated the line as he mocked Democratic opponents and praised his administration’s record.

The venue, a 4,900-person hall, reached capacity, with more supporters gathered outside. The event centre is owned by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which said it did not sponsor the rally.

Outside in the rain, dozens of protesters held signs against the president. Some raised Indigenous rights slogans. The protest was peaceful, with police keeping the groups apart.

Senator James Lankford attended the rally. Gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei also appeared, along with state Republican leaders.

Trump endorsed US Representative Kevin Hern for Oklahoma’s open Senate seat. He also backed four of the state’s five Republican House candidates.

He pledged a 5,000 dollar check to every adult citizen if Republicans win in November. “If Democrats win, we’ll have an economic depression,” he told the crowd.

The November 3 midterms will decide control of Congress. Trump framed the vote as a test of his movement.