Trump rallies for Paxton in San Antonio on third Texas trip in a month, protesters interrupt
In short
President Donald Trump held a rally in San Antonio on Wednesday for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, his third trip to Texas in less than a month, as Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico. At least a dozen protesters interrupted the speech at Freeman Coliseum and some were led away by police, according to an Associated Press report carried by The Seattle Times. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott did not attend.
Read the full story 2 min read
President Donald Trump rallied supporters at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio on Wednesday night for Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate candidate and Texas attorney general, on his third trip to Texas in less than a month, according to CNN, CBS News and an Associated Press report carried by The Seattle Times. Paxton is running against Democrat James Talarico, and CBS News described the race as tight with the midterms 27 days away. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Protesters interrupted the speech repeatedly, including one who appeared to be close to the stage, the AP reported. It said at least a dozen demonstrators interrupted the president and some were led away by police. CBS News reported that several hecklers were removed, drawing jeers from the crowd as Trump made fun of them. After one interruption Trump said: "He's going back home to mom. But what he doesn't know is his mom voted for Trump." [ 4 , 6 , 8 ]
Trump also addressed recent comments in which, the AP said, he appeared to suggest the bombing of an American city would be "a small price to pay" for the war in Iran. He said Iran might try to hit an American city with a missile and added: "We're not going to let that happen. We protect our cities. We protect our country." [ 4 ]
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott did not attend the rally. CNN reported that he cited scheduling conflicts and also skipped Trump's appearance the previous week. The AP said Abbott is in a competitive reelection race of his own. [ 1 , 4 ]
CNN reported that Republicans are pouring millions into supporting Paxton, whom polls show in a closer-than-expected race in a state Trump carried by more than 13 points in 2024 and that has not elected a Democrat statewide since 1994. The AP said party officials have devoted more than $300 million to elections in Texas so far, and that Trump's approval ratings, the Iran war and gas prices have threatened Republicans across the country. CNN also reported that Paxton told donors and lobbyists last month that the Iran war and high gas prices were hurting his campaign. [ 1 , 4 ]
Why it matters
CNN reported that the Republican path to a Senate majority runs through Texas, and a Texas GOP strategist told CNN the rally would be watched for whether it improves Paxton's standing, which could determine continued investment in the state. The AP report said party officials have devoted more than $300 million to elections in Texas so far.
Key facts
- Trump's Wednesday rally in San Antonio was his third trip to Texas in less than a month. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- The trip was to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who faces Democrat James Talarico. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Protesters repeatedly interrupted Trump's speech and several were removed from the rally. [ 4 , 6 , 8 ]
- At least a dozen demonstrators interrupted the president, and some were led away by police, the AP reported. [ 4 ]
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not attend the rally. [ 1 , 4 ]
- Party officials have devoted more than $300 million to elections in Texas so far, the AP reported. [ 4 ]
- The midterm elections are on November 3, 27 days after the rally. [ 1 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the rally will improve Paxton's standing in the race. A Texas GOP strategist told CNN this would be closely watched; the documents give no outcome.
- How many protesters were removed from the rally. The AP reported at least a dozen demonstrators interrupted and some were led away by police; CBS News said several hecklers were removed. No exact figure is given.
- Trump's margin in Texas in 2024. CNN reported more than 13 points and the AP said almost 14 percentage points; the figures are close but worded differently.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- CNN reports Trump is making his third trip to Texas in less than a month to campaign for Paxton. [ 1 ]
- CBS News reports Trump is heading to San Antonio for the Senate race between Paxton and Talarico. [ 2 ]
- The AP, via The Seattle Times, reports Trump was interrupted by protesters at the Freeman Coliseum rally. [ 4 ]
- CNN reports Trump was repeatedly interrupted by protesters during the rally. [ 6 ]
- CBS News reports several hecklers were removed from the rally. [ 8 ]