ST. PAUL — President Donald Trump’s appearance Thursday at a rally in Rochester, Minnesota, marks his second stop to friendly territory in the otherwise traditionally blue state, where other Republicans in competitive congressional races aren’t as anxious to receive him.

Trump’s Minnesota visits aim to bolster GOP efforts in two of their top targeted Democratic districts, critical seats in their quest to maintain control of the House in a midterm election that could be bruising for the president’s party.

In June, Trump headlined a rally in northeastern Minnesota for the candidate Republicans hope can win back a once-reliable Democratic stronghold after it swung for Trump in 2016.

But the president’s popularity is less certain to help carry Republicans in the state’s suburban pockets. Two GOP incumbents there are among Democrats’ top targets nationwide as they try to net the 23 seats needed to regain control of the House.

The Rochester visit brings Trump to Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, a Republican-leaning area Democrats have controlled for 12 years. Third-time GOP candidate Jim Hagedorn is hoping to finally break through after nearly unseating Rep. Tim Walz in 2016, despite the race generating little attention or outside help.

Walz’s decision to run for Minnesota governor this year made Hagedorn’s race a top priority for Republicans. Outside political groups from both parties have already spent $4 million, more than every previous election combined since at least 2010.