Trump Rallies Support for Paxton in Texas Amid Red State Tour

President Donald Trump visited Texas on Thursday, expressing strong support for Ken Paxton's Senate bid and using the stop to rally his base of Republican supporters for candidates heading into the November elections. Trump, who referred to Paxton as a "pain in the a--," urged his loyal followers to cast their votes for the Republican candidate, who is facing a challenge from Democrat James Talarico.

"We need Ken so badly, that’s why I am here," Trump stated. Texas is considered a crucial state for Republicans aiming to maintain control of the Senate.

The Texas visit is part of a series of stops Trump is making in states that delivered significant votes for him in the last presidential election, and where many Republican contenders are currently struggling to replicate his success.

During a visit to Peterbilt Motors, Trump promoted his administration's trade and economic policies, asserting that truck tariffs implemented during his presidency contributed to job growth.

This stop in Texas is one of several planned campaign events. Following his Dallas engagement, Trump traveled to Oklahoma to support Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei. Next week, he is scheduled to campaign in upstate New York for GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, and he is also considering a trip to Alaska in mid-October to assist Senator Dan Sullivan.

Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized the need for Republicans to better publicize their achievements to secure victories in the upcoming midterm elections. "Somebody saying we’ve done a bad public relations job, but a great management job," he commented. "We have to get the message to get the best numbers of any president."

In Texas, a state Trump won by a nearly 15-point margin in 2024, he aimed to leverage his popularity to support Paxton. Paxton, who is trailing Talarico in the polls and facing scrutiny over a legal investigation, secured the Republican nomination after Trump endorsed him over incumbent GOP Senator John Cornyn.

Trump described the Texas attorney general as "one of the most loyal people." He added, "Ken Paxton was at my side more than anybody, and I have to always remember that because he could be a pain in the a-- sometimes to be honest."

Despite remarks about Paxton being a "special man," Trump did not call him to speak during the event. Reports have suggested potential tension between the two, following claims that Paxton privately expressed that GOP candidates saw their poll numbers decline after Trump's midterm convention in Dallas.

Trump highlighted his administration's record on job creation and manufacturing as a counterpoint to voter concerns about the economy. "This year the United States has added 60,000 new manufacturing jobs, and heavy truck manufacturing is almost up by about, what, 31 percent," he stated.

While acknowledging Paxton's presence in the crowd, Trump reiterated his call for support: "We got to get this guy elected."

Trump also criticized Talarico, repeating an assertion that the Democratic candidate is a vegan. "You got a freako. You got a freako that’s running against him," Trump said. "He doesn’t eat meat. He’s a vegan." He added, "To put a guy, a freak like that in there would be such a horror to your state, and such a horror to the country. We need the votes and I’m here for that, and I think we’re going to win."

Former NBA player Dennis Rodman accompanied Trump on a tour of the Peterbilt factory. Trump mentioned Rodman's past role in facilitating communication with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, noting that Rodman "knew him best."

Trump concluded by affirming his commitment to the midterm elections, stating, "My heart is in it like never before."