Trump to Visit Lubbock for Senate Campaign Rally
President Donald Trump plans to campaign for Ken Paxton in Lubbock on October 27, while challenger James Talarico hosts a separate event.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Elections
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President Donald Trump will visit Lubbock on October 27 to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his U.S. Senate bid. Challenger and state representative James Talarico will hold his own campaign event in the city on the same day.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the high stakes of the Texas Senate race, where Republicans aim to defend their majority while Democrats seek a competitive statewide victory. Polls currently show a tight contest between the two candidates.
A CBS News poll of 1,492 registered Texas voters shows James Talarico leading Ken Paxton 51% to 49%, with a 3.4 percentage point margin of error. The survey was conducted from October 8 to October 16.
The players
Donald Trump
President Donald Trump is a Republican figure currently campaigning for his party's candidates in key Senate races.
Ken Paxton
Ken Paxton has served as the Texas Attorney General since 2014 and is the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate.
James Talarico
James Talarico is a Democratic state representative from Austin running for the U.S. Senate seat.
The details
The rally for Ken Paxton will open its doors at 11 a.m. with the program beginning at 1 p.m., while President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks at 2:30 p.m. James Talarico is set to hold a concurrent rally at the Frazier Alumni Pavillion at 6 p.m. later that evening.
Timeline
May 2026: Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton for the Senate race.
October 8-16, 2026: The CBS News poll was conducted.
October 27, 2026: President Donald Trump and James Talarico hold rallies in Lubbock.
November 3, 2026: Election Day for the U.S. Senate seat.
Political Context
This race is defined by significant partisan divide, with Republicans defending their Senate majority and Democrats pushing to flip a major seat. The opposition highlights Paxton's past legal challenges and his 2023 impeachment as primary points of contention.
Residents should anticipate increased traffic and potential security-related closures around the event locations on October 27. Those planning to attend the Trump rally are restricted to a maximum of four tickets per signup.
The takeaway
Voters in the area should prepare for an active day of campaigning as both major Senate candidates hold events in the city. Keeping track of local traffic reports and official event guidelines will help residents navigate the heightened political activity.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming races, visit the Lubbock elections section.
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