Trump Rallies in Texas as 32-Year Republican Streak Faces Test

President Donald Trump travels to Corpus Christi and Lubbock on Tuesday, bringing Secretary of State Marco Rubio along for the stops. The visit is meant to help Republican Ken Paxton in his Senate race against Democrat James Talarico ahead of next week's midterm elections.

Texas has not elected a Democrat to a statewide office in 32 years. Trump held a midterm convention in Dallas in September, and the Tuesday rallies mark his third trip to the state since then. Rubio, who also serves as Trump's national security adviser, ran for president in 2016 and has not said whether he will run in 2028. This is the first time he has joined Trump on the road for campaign events.

Talarico has made the Senate contest competitive, drawing on a difficult political environment for Republicans and Paxton's record of ethical and legal troubles. Talarico plans rallies Tuesday in Midland, Amarillo and Lubbock.

Vice President JD Vance, another Republican considered a potential 2028 contender, has appeared at campaign stops in Montana and Kansas. He is scheduled to tour Michigan on Tuesday.

The Associated Press reported from Washington.