Black MAGA TikTok star says she was expelled from Ken Paxton rally in Texas
Influencer Thelma Louise claims she was asked to leave a Ken Paxton campaign rally in Texas despite her pro-Republican activism.
Thelma Louise, who runs a popular TikTok channel promoting conservative views from a Black female perspective, attended a Ken Paxton rally in Texas to document the event for her followers. During the gathering, she was approached by a campaign staffer who told her she must leave, a decision she says was made by Paxton’s campaign manager. Louise, who switched from the Democratic Party two years earlier and has worked on President Trump’s campaign, drove two hours to the rally and showed credentials from a Republican midterm convention in Dallas.
She described the incident as disrespectful and puzzling, emphasizing her long-standing support for Republican candidates. Online commentators speculated that her race may have influenced the removal, while some defended the campaign’s right to control attendance. Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross highlighted the broader issue of white conservatives excluding Black supporters.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about racial inclusion within conservative political events and the treatment of minority supporters.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Ken Paxton says Trump-led convention hurt his Senate bid
- Oct 8 Talarico’s campaign says he is recovering from a flu infection and plans to resume in-person campaigning this weekend after a virtual appearance. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s team has demanded proof of Talarico’s whereabouts, while Democrats express concern over the candidate’s absence during a crucial campaign phase. Despite the setback, Talarico’s supporters note his extensive ad spend and argue the pause may be preferable to campaigning while ill.
- Oct 11 Paxton’s campaign began circulating missing‑person flyers depicting Talarico.
- Oct 12 Elon Musk has contributed an unprecedented $366 million to groups supporting GOP candidates ahead of the November 3 elections for the House and Senate.
- Oct 12 An audio recording alleging Talarico’s discharge from a mental‑health facility was released, prompting the Lindner Center’s denial.
- Oct 12 Specific contribution amounts to individual super PACs were disclosed.
- Oct 12 Democrat Mary Peltola is ahead of Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in recent Alaska polls, just days before Donald Trump is set to campaign for Sullivan.
- Oct 13 Trump’s Tennessee remarks emphasized confidence in his base while new polling data highlighted lower Republican voter enthusiasm.
- Oct 13 Texas polls show Democrat James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton.
- Oct 14 Peltola disclosed a $17 million haul in third‑quarter contributions.
- Oct 15 JD Vance publicly backs Ken Paxton and attacks James Talarico's sex‑education stance.
- Oct 15 Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico says his campaign raised $64 million in the third quarter, outpacing Republican Ken Paxton’s $18 million.
- Oct 16 Total spending on Republican‑aligned committees and organizations is reported at $366 million.
- Oct 17 Republican political action committees have spent over $200 million supporting GOP candidates in the race.
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