Trump campaigns in Texas for Paxton amid competitive Senate race

President Donald Trump traveled to Texas on August 28, 2026, to rally support for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, whose race against Democratic state Representative James Talarico has become unexpectedly competitive in a state long considered a Republican stronghold. The visit underscores growing GOP concern over holding the seat, which is critical to the party's effort to maintain control of the U.S. Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.

Trump's trip included a private fundraising dinner in Houston and an appearance at the GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas. The president publicly pledged his full backing for Paxton, the state's attorney general, who secured the Republican nomination after Trump endorsed him in a primary victory over longtime Senator John Cornyn. Trump has been actively campaigning for Paxton, referring to his opponent as "Talafreako" and vowing to spend significant time in Texas to bolster the Republican's flagging campaign.

The intervention comes as recent polling indicates Paxton is trailing Talarico. A survey from Texas Public Opinion Research found Talarico leading 47% to 40%. Another poll from Texas Southern University showed Talarico ahead in...