Trump Speaks at San Antonio Rally for Senate Candidate Ken Paxton
Texas Takes Center Stage: Trump, Paxton, and a Big Night in San Antonio
If you've been wondering why everyone is suddenly talking about Texas politics, here's the short version: the Lone Star State is looking a lot more competitive than it has in years.
The Big Event
President Donald Trump headlined a midterm rally at San Antonio's Freeman Coliseum on Wednesday. Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, was expected to join him, along with congressional candidate Carlos De La Cruz.
Why Texas, Why Now?
Trump keeps coming back. This was his third trip to Texas in less than a month, which says a lot about how seriously Republicans are taking the state. He carried Texas by 14 points just two years ago, yet the campaign is clearly not taking anything for granted.
The Senate race is a big part of the story. Polling has shown a competitive matchup between Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, in a state where Democrats haven't won a Senate race since 1993. Paxton is trying to overcome a fundraising gap and controversies, including a 2023 impeachment trial that ended in his acquittal. Talarico, for his part, is focusing on affordability, health care, and education, while portraying Paxton as too extreme for Texas.
It's Not Just About the Senate
San Antonio is also home to some of Texas's most competitive races. De La Cruz is running against Democrat Johnny Garcia in the newly redrawn 35th Congressional District. That explains why Trump's political operation has poured millions into the district.
Not Everyone Was Cheering
As with most big political events, there were two sides to the day. At least two demonstrations were planned against the president's visit, and local Democrats pointed out that Bexar County went for Kamala Harris in the last election. San Antonio is a city with a lot of political voices, and they were all on display.
What to Watch Next
Election Day is November 3, less than a month away. Expect more rallies, more ads, and more visits from both parties. Texas used to be an afterthought in national battleground conversations. This year, it's right in the middle of them.
So whichever side you're on, keep an eye on the Lone Star State. It might just decide something big.
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