Overview
- President Donald Trump made his third trip to Texas within a month to campaign for Republican Ken Paxton, and his San Antonio speech on Wednesday was repeatedly interrupted with at least a dozen protesters removed by police.
- At the rally Trump praised Paxton as possibly the best state attorney general, defended security-focused remarks about possible Iranian threats to U.S. cities, and urged voters to turn out for Paxton.
- Axios reported a leaked audio in which Paxton allegedly told donors that the war with Iran and rising fuel prices were hurting his campaign, a claim described in the coverage as adding internal pressure on the campaign.
- Recent polls cited in the reporting show Democrat James Talarico leading in the race, and Republicans have already spent more than $300 million there as they try to hold the seat.
- The contest matters for control of the U.S. Senate because a Talarico win would break a long Republican hold on Texas and could shift the chamber’s balance, while the rally disruptions underline rising polarization and voter mobilization risks for both parties.