Trump returns to Texas to boost GOP Senate candidate in tight midterm race
Donald Trump is touring Texas this week, stopping in Corpus Christi and Lubbock to support Republican Senate hopeful Ken Paxton as the contest with Democrat James Talarico remains deadlocked.
Donald Trump is making a final push in Texas, with appearances in Corpus Christi and Lubbock scheduled for Tuesday, just seven days before voters head to the polls. He will share the stage with Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, the state attorney general, as the contest against Democrat State Rep. James Talarico is now reported as a dead heat, each candidate polling at 49% among likely voters. The poll reflects a swing from a two-point Democratic edge recorded last month.
This is Trump’s fourth Texas visit since Labor Day, after earlier stops in Dallas for the GOP midterm convention, at a Peterbilt plant in Denton, and a rally in San Antonio with Paxton. The outcome could end a 30-year Democratic drought in statewide races and influence control of the Senate, where the GOP holds a narrow majority. Voter sentiment appears split, with Democrats showing higher enthusiasm and Hispanic voters favoring Talarico, while economic concerns weigh heavily on the electorate.
Why it matters
The race could flip a long-held Republican Senate seat and affect the balance of power in Washington.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Ken Paxton says Trump-led convention hurt his Senate bid
- Oct 8 Audio from Paxton’s Washington fundraiser was leaked, revealing his complaints about fuel prices and the Iran war.
- 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 11 In a 42-second clip shared on his X account, Trump announced a $5,000 dividend for every adult citizen contingent on a Republican victory in the upcoming midterms. He contrasted this with a claim that Democratic policies would raise taxes and trigger a depression. The proposal, first mentioned at the RNC convention in Dallas, lacks a disclosed funding source, though officials suggest it could be financed through budget reconciliation. Critics within the GOP, including Rand Paul and Chip Roy, have voiced concerns about the trillion-plus cost and the nation’s $40 trillion debt.
- Oct 12 An audio recording alleging Talarico’s discharge from a mental‑health facility was released, prompting the Lindner Center’s denial.
- Oct 13 A new ReconMR poll shows Greg Abbott narrowly leading Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, reversing a previous deficit as the race tightens.
- Oct 13 In Davenport, Democratic activists held a rally and early-voting drive as Iowa’s traditionally red electorate shows signs of frustration over high prices and local issues such as cancer rates. Voters like retired union leader Kay Pence and former Air Force member Frank Holley cited the cost of living and perceived Republican subservience to Trump as reasons to switch parties. Republicans acknowledge poll disadvantages but stress turnout, while swing voters such as 74-year-old Jerry Mohr say they are reconsidering their long-time allegiance.
- Oct 15 JD Vance publicly backs Ken Paxton and attacks James Talarico's sex‑education stance.
- Oct 21 Trump scheduled a Texas rally on Oct 27 and began a bus tour to boost Paxton’s campaign.
- Oct 21 Trump announced a $5,000 payment to each adult contingent on Republican control of Congress.
- Oct 21 Talarico released new TV ads focusing on border security and data‑center tax breaks.
- Oct 22 Outside groups have contributed a total of $137 million to the Iowa Senate contest.
- Oct 24 Brown’s candidacy adds a third‑party perspective to the Texas Senate contest.
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