President Donald Trump held a campaign event in Denton, Texas, on October 1, endorsing Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state’s closely contested U.S. Senate race against Democrat James Talarico. The visit marked the start of a 32-day campaign blitz ahead of the November midterm elections, with Trump highlighting manufacturing jobs and Republican candidates facing competitive races.
Trump praises Paxton while joking about his ‘pain in the ass’ reputation
During a speech at Peterbilt Motors’ factory, Trump called Paxton “the greatest attorney general in the United States of America” after joking about his tendency to be a “pain in the ass.” The president acknowledged Paxton’s loyalty during legal and political battles, including his support in challenging the 2020 election results. Trump also reiterated his claim that the GOP suffers from an “image problem,” despite asserting that his administration has achieved “the greatest numbers of any president in history.”
Texas Senate race remains tight as Trump urges support for Paxton
Polling averages show the race between Paxton and Talarico is nearly tied, with some surveys indicating a narrow Democratic lead and others showing a slim Republican advantage. Trump framed the election as critical to preventing Democratic control in Texas, stating, “We need Ken so badly” and warning that electing Talarico would be “such a horror to the system.” The president also celebrated the factory’s expansion, attributing job growth to his administration’s tariffs on imported trucks.
Paxton’s campaign faces internal GOP scrutiny
Reports suggest Paxton has privately criticized Trump’s recent Dallas midterm convention for harming Republican polling numbers. Despite his endorsement, Trump’s quip about Paxton’s reputation underscores tensions within the Texas GOP, where Paxton remains a polarizing figure amid ongoing legal controversies.
Trump’s broader midterm strategy focuses on manufacturing and base turnout
The Denton event highlighted Trump’s emphasis on resurgent U.S. manufacturing, with the president praising Peterbilt’s production of 200 trucks per day and crediting tariffs for job growth. After Texas, Trump traveled to Oklahoma for an RNC rally, continuing his push to energize Republican voters ahead of the midterms.