Trump and Talarico Hold Dueling Rallies in Lubbock for Senate Race

President Donald Trump and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico have scheduled competing rallies in Lubbock, Texas, on October 27, 2026, as both campaigns clash in a high-stakes race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

Dueling Rallies and the Fight for Senate Control in West Texas

The two campaigns converged on the west Texas city of Lubbock just three miles apart as both parties vie for support in a tight contest. President Trump campaigned for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, attempting to rev up his right-wing MAGA base, while Talarico held a competing event across town.

The outcome in Texas carries national weight. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and a Democratic victory would threaten Trump’s legislative agenda and judicial confirmations for the final two years of his term.

Trump addressed supporters at the 4,900-capacity Lubbock Civic Center, following an afternoon stop in Corpus Christi where he defended his administration’s actions regarding Iran and domestic energy production. A vote for Ken Paxton is a vote to save Texas and defend everything that made Texas great and makes America great, Trump told a crowd in San Antonio.

Talarico’s event took place at the Fiesta Center, which holds up to 2,300 people. The Democrat’s campaign noted it moved the speech from a smaller venue to accommodate enthusiastic crowds. A former public school teacher, Talarico framed his campaign around fighting political corruption and corporate money, comparing his run to a biblical matchup.

David might not have been as strong or as big as Goliath. He might not have had as many weapons, but he had hope. He had faith, and he had a slingshot. Corpus Christi, you are my slingshot. And when we come together, those Goliaths are going to know what hit them.

James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate

Campaign Spending and Outside Super PAC Investments

The Texas Senate campaign will be among the most expensive in history. Talarico raised more than $146 million through October 14, according to Federal Election Commission reports. Paxton raised $22 million, a figure that includes fundraising from the Republican primary where he defeated four-term Sen. John Cornyn.

For comparison, candidates in the Georgia Senate race in 2022 raised a combined $260 million, according to OpenSecrets. Outside spending in Texas has outpaced the candidate funds. Outside groups spent $153 million opposing Talarico and $13 million supporting him through October 20. Meanwhile, outside groups spent $91 million supporting Paxton and $41 million opposing him.

Elon Musk injected substantial support into the race, contributing $158 million to support Paxton. Talarico criticized the financial backing during an October 20 appearance, arguing that his opponent is funded by one dude while noting his own campaign received nearly $140 million from individual donors.

Unexpected Alliances and Split Republican Support

The Bush Family Split and Political Dynasty Crosscurrents

The race has fractured traditional party lines. Members of the Republican Bush political dynasty sided with Talarico. Neil Bush published a social media post explaining that his vote was motivated by concerns regarding Paxton’s record, which includes joining challenges to the 2020 election results and an impeachment in the state House over bribery allegations, though he was later acquitted in the state Senate.

Talarico, Trump hold dueling rallies in Lubbock

My vote was motivated by two things: deep concern about Ken Paxton's record and genuine admiration for the character and principles I see in James Talarico, Neil Bush wrote. Additionally, Barbara Bush contributed $2,500 to Lone Star Rising, a political action committee supporting Talarico.

On the other side, Musk defended Paxton and labeled the Democratic challenger “a far left extremist.” Trump similarly attacked Talarico’s platform during his rallies, referring to him critically as a Dumocrat due to his policy positions.

Early Voting Dynamics and Geographic Turnout Strategies

Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994, but recent polling averages from Real Clear Politics show Talarico and Paxton locked in a dead heat. Analysts are closely watching turnout patterns across the state’s urban centers and conservative strongholds.

President Donald Trump and James Talarico — Photo: nydailynews.com

Paxton relies heavily on running up tallies in west Texas, where Trump won Lubbock County by a 69%-29% margin in 2024. Conversely, Talarico aims to blunt those margins by racking up large vote totals in sprawling metro areas including Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Democratic analysts report that early turnout is running higher in deep-blue counties like Dallas and Harris County. Republicans remain skeptical of those metrics, pointing out that conservative voters traditionally prefer voting in person on Election Day.

It certainly seems a lot bluer than 2022 and 2024, said Kyle Kondik, a non-partisan analyst with Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia. And one of the things we’ll be watching is: can Republicans catch up.