Trump Returns to Texas to Boost Ken Paxton as Senate Race Tightens Against Democrat James Talarico

• by Shimanta Das
• October 9, 2026

Former President Donald Trump is heading back to Texas to rally support for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, as the race against Democratic challenger James Talarico tightens. The visit is part of Trump’s broader blitz through red states aimed at energizing Republican voters amid shifting midterm forecasts that increasingly favor Democrats. By putting the national spotlight on the Lone Star State, Trump hopes to give Paxton a crucial boost in one of the most closely watched Senate contests in the country.

Recent polling shows Talarico maintaining a slight lead over Paxton, though the margins vary. In one survey, Talarico leads 51% to 45%, while another shows a narrower 51% to 49% advantage. Other polls put the race within a few points: Talarico at 47% to Paxton’s 45%, 50% to 44%, and 47% to 46%. These numbers underscore a competitive race that both parties are heavily invested in, viewing Texas as a key battleground for control of the Senate. Trump’s endorsement of Paxton in the Republican primary over a longtime GOP senator has already reshaped the primary dynamics, and now he is turning his attention to the general election.

During his visit, Trump is expected to criticize Talarico, who has maintained a slight lead in the polls, and to frame the race as critical to preserving Republican control of the Senate. The former president’s involvement highlights the high stakes for the GOP in Texas, a state that has long been a Republican stronghold but is now seeing tightening races. With both parties pouring resources into the contest, Trump’s rally could be a pivotal moment in the final stretch of the campaign.

As the midterm elections approach, the Texas Senate race remains a top priority for Republicans and Democrats alike. Trump’s return to the campaign trail in Texas signals that the GOP is leaving nothing to chance in a state that could determine the balance of power in Washington. With Talarico holding a narrow edge in recent polls, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the outcome of this high-profile matchup.