Trump Heads Back to Texas as GOP Fights to Keep State Red
President Donald Trump is returning to Texas on Wednesday for a rally at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, marking his second campaign stop in the state in as many weeks, according to a Republican National Committee official cited by thetexastribune.org. The visit comes as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces a competitive general election race against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by longtime Sen. John Cornyn. Polling indicates a narrow lead for Talarico, creating an unfamiliar political environment for Texas Republicans who have held unified control of the state for decades, thetexastribune.org reported.
Denton Truck Plant Rally Spotlights Paxton Senate Bid
During a Thursday visit to a Peterbilt heavy truck manufacturing plant in Denton, Trump urged North Texas voters to back Paxton in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. The event featured two blue big rig trucks parked behind the podium, which Trump described as “no bullshit,” alongside remarks touching on economic policies and manufacturing tariffs. The visit was part of the president’s broader push to mobilize the Republican base in red states. Trump praised Paxton as “the greatest attorney general in the United States of America,” even as he revisited earlier friction by calling him a “pain in the ass sometimes,” according to rollcall.com.
Trump Mocks Paxton at Texas GOP Convention
The campaign trail has featured a mix of public praise and public teasing between the president and his chosen Senate nominee. In audio from a fundraiser published by The New York Times and cited by thetexastribune.org, Paxton acknowledged that his poll numbers took a hit following the Texas GOP convention. During that Dallas convention last month, Trump mocked Paxton’s appearance and presentation style on both nights of the shindig, telling the audience, “He may not dress right, he may not talk exactly perfectly, and he may not be the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen,” as reported by rollcall.com. Despite the jabs, Trump emphasized that his primary goal is securing a Republican victory to maintain control of the Senate.
Trump Rallies in San Antonio to Target South Texas
The upcoming San Antonio rally highlights the growing electoral importance of South Texas this cycle. While Trump has lost Bexar County in all three presidential runs, he posted his best showing there in 2024 by securing 44.5% of the vote, thetexastribune.org reported. Alongside Paxton, Republican congressional candidate Carlos De La Cruz is scheduled to speak at the Freeman Coliseum event. The push in Texas coincides with a broader 32-day campaign blitz that has included stops in Oklahoma and upcoming travel to New York and Alaska to support GOP candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Texas Senate Race
Who is running against Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race?
State Rep. James Talarico is the Democratic nominee running against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate seat, according to rollcall.com.
What venue is hosting Trump’s Wednesday rally in Texas?
The rally featuring Ken Paxton and Carlos De La Cruz will take place at the Freeman Coliseum on the east side of San Antonio, as reported by thetexastribune.org.
How did Donald Trump characterize Ken Paxton during his Denton factory visit?
Trump called Paxton “the greatest attorney general in the United States of America” while also acknowledging that the state attorney general could occasionally be a “pain in the ass,” according to rollcall.com.