Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Trump launches Texas and Oklahoma midterm push amid Republican risks
Donald Trump is starting a large campaign tour to help Republicans before the November elections.
He will first visit Texas and Oklahoma.
He plans to hold another rally in Alabama on Friday.
Republicans want to keep their small majorities in Congress.
Some candidates think Trump’s support will help them win.
Others worry that voters are unhappy with his handling of the economy.
Some Republicans have also disagreed with him about Iran and data centers.
In Texas, Trump will appear with Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
He will also talk about tariffs and jobs at a truck factory.
The campaign comes as some races that once looked safe for Republicans have become competitive.
President Donald Trump is beginning a 32-day campaign effort to support Republican candidates in November’s midterm elections.
Trump will visit Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday, followed by Alabama rallies on Friday.
Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton is expected to appear with Trump amid tensions over a leaked recording.
Some Republicans welcome Trump’s support, while others are distancing themselves from him on Iran and data-center issues.
Trump plans to promote tariffs and trade in Texas, despite rising fuel costs linked to the economic fallout from the Iran war.
- Who
- President Donald Trump, Republican candidates, Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, and their political opponents, including Democrat James Talarico.
- What
- Trump is launching a 32-day campaign push to support Republicans seeking to retain slim congressional majorities.
- When
- The campaign begins Thursday, with additional rallies scheduled for Friday; the midterm elections will take place in November.
- Where
- Trump will campaign in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, including stops in Denton, near Dallas, and Durant.
- Why
- He aims to bolster Republican candidates as voter dissatisfaction and competitive races threaten the party’s congressional majorities.
Trump Supporters and Allies
Skeptical Republicans and Critics
Value of Trump’s campaign appearances
Trump Supporters and Allies
Trump and supportive Republicans say his presence can energize voters and help candidates defend the party’s congressional majorities.
Skeptical Republicans and Critics
Some Republican candidates are weighing whether Trump’s backing could hurt them, particularly in competitive races where voters are dissatisfied with his economic record.
Economic record and trade policy
Trump Supporters and Allies
The White House says tariffs helped create jobs, including at truck manufacturer PACCAR, and Trump is expected to promote that record in Texas.
Skeptical Republicans and Critics
Rising fuel prices and broader economic concerns have contributed to voter discontent, while some Republicans are breaking with Trump over issues including the Iran war and electricity-intensive data centers.
Ken Paxton’s relationship with Trump
Trump Supporters and Allies
Trump supported Paxton in the Republican primary, and Paxton’s campaign expects him to appear with Trump in Texas.
Skeptical Republicans and Critics
A leaked recording reportedly showed Paxton saying Trump’s September convention hurt him and other Republicans, though his campaign called the recording manipulated nonsense.
- Campaign length
- 32 days
- Initial stops
- Texas and Oklahoma
- Additional rally
- Alabama on Friday
- Texas Senate race
- Ken Paxton is facing Democrat James Talarico after defeating incumbent Republican John Cornyn in the primary.
- Texas fuel prices
- Diesel recently reached $5.97 per gallon, while average gasoline prices were reported at $3.92 per gallon.
- Peterbilt employment claim
- The White House says truck tariffs helped PACCAR add more than 2,000 jobs nationwide, including about 1,000 at a Texas plant.
- Oklahoma rally location
- Durant, in southern Oklahoma, a state Trump won with more than 66% of the vote in 2024.