Trump vows rallies for Ken Paxton, predicts he will ‘absolutely destroy’ James Talarico

Donald Trump pledged to hold rallies for Ken Paxton, predicting victory over James Talarico and turning the race into a MAGA battleground
Donald Trump argued Democratic policies lack public support and said Texas remains a key state with growing national political influence (Getty Images)
Donald Trump argued Democratic policies lack public support and said Texas remains a key state with growing national political influence (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said he plans to personally campaign for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, promising to hold rallies on his behalf and predicting Paxton will cruise to victory in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Republican contests in the country.

Speaking about the race, Trump expressed confidence that Paxton would defeat his opponent, dismissing Democratic positions on a range of cultural issues and arguing that voters are increasingly aligned with the MAGA movement.

Trump pledges rallies for Ken Paxton

Trump’s pledge to campaign in person suggests a greater degree of involvement than is typical, as endorsements have become commonplace in Republican politics.



Trump is signaling that he is willing to spend time, energy, and political capital on Paxton’s race rather than simply lend his support from afar. The pledge essentially turns the race into a referendum on Trump’s continuing strength with Texas voters and within the Republican Party.

“I think Ken Paxton's going to absolutely just destroy him. I'm going to go out and do rallies for him.”

Talking about Democratic candidate for the same seat, James Talarico, Trump said, “In Texas, he says there are six genders. He wears a mask all the time. You know, he's a disaster candidate”

Trump's rallies remain one of the most visible tools in his political arsenal, often drawing large crowds and generating extensive media coverage.

By promising multiple appearances, he is turning the Senate race into a high-profile MAGA battleground rather than a standard statewide campaign.

ROBSTOWN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 22: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at the 'Save America' rally on October 22, 2022 in Robstown, Texas. The former president, alongside other Republican nominees and leaders held a rally where they energized supporters and voters ahead of the midterm election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Ken Paxton speaks at the 'Save America' rally on October 22, 2022 in Robstown, Texas (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Texas remains key to MAGA influence

Texas has long been a Republican stronghold, but the state's political contests increasingly carry national significance because of its size, influence, and role within conservative politics.

“I think that, you know, you look at their policy, you don't even understand how can they want this?”

“And as far as polling goes, polls at, they always say 80-20. I think some of the, many of these things are 97-3. I think they're 100-0. I mean, did you see where CNN did a poll?”

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 03: Texas Senate candidate James Talarico (D-TX) addresses supporters on election night on March 03, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Texans went to the polls to vote for Democratic and Republican primary candidates ahead of November's midterm elections. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
James Talarico (D-TX) addresses supporters on election night on March 03, 2026 in Austin, Texas (John Moore/Getty Images)

For Trump, supporting Paxton provides an avenue to strengthen his hold on the party and elevate a candidate who embodies many of the themes central to the MAGA movement.

The race also could serve as an early gauge of how much Trump’s endorsement power still influences Republican primary voters and whether his direct involvement can influence the outcome of major statewide contests.

As a result, the Texas Senate contest is becoming about more than one candidate. It is shaping up as another referendum on the strength, reach, and future direction of the MAGA political machine.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

During the tour, Donald Trump also showcased improvements around the White House grounds, including restoration work near the Rose Garden
18 minutes ago
'If Iran waves the white flag, we give up, New York Times will say, 'Iran has fought bravely and defeated the United States!' Trump said
27 minutes ago
Donald Trump said JD Vance's team uncovered hundreds of billions in fraud, adding that recovering the funds could help balance the budget
53 minutes ago
Edwin Raymond will replace Anthony Miranda, who had remained in the role from Eric Adams’ administration until being removed on Thursday, May 28
1 hour ago
Trump floods social media with altered sports images targeting critics
1 hour ago
Donald Trump claimed a Democratic victory would have pushed the US in a dangerous direction and threatened core American values
1 hour ago
Trump says future presidents will use his new White House ballroom for '200' years
1 hour ago
Trump appeared to indicate that the US would have been better off staying out of Iran, just like Iraq
1 hour ago
Trump's criticism follows a ruling that restored the Kennedy Center’s original name and blocked rebranding plans
3 hours ago
Donald Trump shared AI-generated posts attacking critics, including Thomas Massie, MTG, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Lauren Boebert, and Rand Paul
4 hours ago