President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton. The event was marked by at least half a dozen interruptions from demonstrators and a series of verbal attacks by the president against Paxton’s Democratic opponent, James Talarico.
The visit comes as Republicans increase spending in Texas ahead of the November midterm elections. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll released last weekend, Talarico leads Paxton 51% to 45% among likely voters. A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday, October 5, reported the president's approval rating at 32%, with registered voters preferring Democrats over Republicans by a margin of 44% to 37%.
During the rally, several protesters were removed by police, and one demonstrator was physically assaulted by a Trump supporter while attempting to leave the arena. Trump told the protesters to "get the hell out of here" and alleged, without providing evidence, that they were paid by "enemies of our nation." The president also addressed recent comments regarding Iran and the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, stating that the U.S. would protect its cities and not allow a "horror show" to occur.
Trump referred to Talarico as "Tala-freako" and claimed, without evidence, that the Democrat was vegan and had become ill after being "forced to eat meat for political reasons." Paxton, the state's Attorney General, joined Trump on stage, thanking him for his support and predicting a victory. Republican Governor Greg Abbott did not attend the event, and was instead due to attend a hospital dedication approximately 330 miles away.
The scale of investment in this state is significant, with Republicans dedicating more than $300 million to Texas elections this cycle, according to the Associated Press. A shift in Texas would have effects for national policy and the balance of power in Washington D.C. The next major milestones for these candidates are the final weeks of the campaign and the general election. While Governor Abbott was absent from this specific rally, he is facing his own re-election bid against Democratic state Representative Gina Hinojosa.