Trump Makes Third Trip to Texas as Senate Race Tightens
Sandego.net – Trump makes third trip to Texas in less than a month, returning to San Antonio on Wednesday to support Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign. The visit highlights the growing importance of a race Republicans once expected to be more secure ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Paxton, the Republican nominee, is facing Democrat James Talarico in a contest drawing substantial national attention. Trump won Texas by more than 13 percentage points in 2024, but Democrats are seeking their first statewide victory there since 1994.
The president has also campaigned recently in Alabama, Oklahoma and Nebraska, encouraging supporters to approach the midterms with the urgency of a presidential election. Republican leaders view strong base turnout as critical to maintaining their position in Congress.
A Costly and Closely Watched Texas Contest
Trump makes third trip to Texas as Republican groups spend millions to bolster Paxton in a race that polling suggests may be closer than expected. If control of the Senate is narrow, the result could have consequences beyond Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott did not attend the San Antonio rally, citing a scheduling conflict. Abbott also missed Trump’s Texas event the previous week, underscoring the difficult political calculations facing some state Republicans during a campaign centered on Trump’s influence.
Paxton’s campaign is betting that Trump’s appearance can energize conservative voters and donors, even as candidates must contend with the challenge of reaching beyond their most committed supporters.
Audio Recordings Add Pressure
The San Antonio event came as Paxton faced renewed scrutiny over recordings in which he appeared to connect campaign difficulties with issues tied to the administration’s agenda.
In audio circulated Wednesday, Paxton told donors and lobbyists that the Iran war and high gasoline prices were affecting his campaign. The recording has not been independently verified, and Paxton’s campaign disputed the broader characterization of his comments.
“I don’t make the decisions, and I don’t … know what’s behind some of the decisions.”
Paxton spokeswoman Madison Cercy said he was voicing concerns Texans share about the cost of gasoline, diesel and groceries. She said Trump was working to lower prices.
A separate recording surfaced the previous week in which Paxton criticized the political effect of Trump’s midterm convention in Dallas. Senior adviser Nick Maddux called the portrayal of that recording “manipulated nonsense” designed to create controversy.
Trump and Paxton Emphasize Their Alliance
Onstage in San Antonio, Trump and Paxton presented a united front. Trump praised Paxton as a “fantastic man” and said he believed he would become an “unbelievable senator.”
“I’m very proud of him and I think he’s gonna be an unbelievable senator.”
Paxton welcomed Trump before an enthusiastic crowd, while the president avoided repeating jokes he had made at earlier Texas appearances about Paxton’s loyalty and clothing. Trump endorsed Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff, helping make Paxton the party’s general-election nominee.
FAQ: Trump’s Texas Campaign Visit
Why did Trump make a third trip to Texas?
Trump makes third trip to Texas to support Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign as the race against James Talarico receives increased national attention and Republican investment.
Where was Trump’s latest Texas rally held?
The latest rally was held in San Antonio, where Trump and Paxton appeared together and emphasized their political alliance.
What issues were raised in the Paxton recordings?
The circulated audio involved Paxton’s concerns about the Iran war, gasoline prices and their possible effect on his campaign. His campaign disputed the broader portrayal of his remarks.
