Trump rallies for Paxton in Corpus Christi and Lubbock as Texas Senate race sits at a tie

President Trump made his fourth campaign trip to Texas since Labor Day on Tuesday, holding events in Corpus Christi and Lubbock for Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton one week before the Nov. 3 election.

At the Port of Corpus Christi and later in Lubbock, Trump praised Paxton, the state attorney general, and told supporters he needs him in the Senate, KVUE reported. He criticized Democrat James Talarico as out of step with Texas values.

A tie in a red state

A new Fox News poll shows Paxton and Talarico tied at 49% among likely voters, Fox News reported. Last month Talarico led 51% to 49%. Trump carried Texas by nearly 14 points in 2024.

Source: Fox News.

Democrats also lead on enthusiasm: 69% say they are extremely interested in the election, compared with 61% of Republicans, according to the poll.

Dueling rallies

Talarico, a state representative and former public school teacher, held his own rally in Lubbock on Tuesday night during a West Texas swing that included Midland and Amarillo. His campaign moved the event to a larger venue because of demand, KVUE reported. A political scientist told the station the aim appears to be narrowing Paxton's margin in the region rather than winning it.

Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in a Republican primary that went to overtime, leaving Cornyn's seat open. Democrats have not won a statewide race in Texas in more than 30 years.

More than 20% of registered Texas voters had already cast ballots, ABC News reported. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged Republicans to vote early rather than wait for Election Day.