President Donald Trump visited a Peterbilt truck plant in Denton on Thursday, using the event to rally North Texas voters behind his endorsed candidate for the U.S. Senate, Attorney General Ken Paxton. Trump praised Paxton as “the greatest attorney general in the United States of America” while acknowledging that the AG can be “a pain in the ass” at times.
Trump told the crowd that decades of “lousy politicians” have let foreign trade cheaters plunder wages, close factories, and rob the country. He argued that only a leader like himself can stop those forces and that electing Paxton is essential to protecting Texas jobs and values.
Election context
Paxton is seeking to replace longtime Sen. John Cornyn, who announced his retirement. The race pits Paxton against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, whom Trump derisively called “Tala-freako” and labeled a fringe politician. Inside Elections rates the contest as “Lean R,” while The Cook Political Report lists it as a “Toss‑Up,” reflecting the competitive nature of the race.
Polling snapshot
A YouGov/The Economist poll of registered voters conducted September 25‑28 shows 36% of respondents approve of President Trump’s job performance, with 62% disapproving. When asked to rate the state of the economy, 75% said it is “fair” or “poor” compared with 23% who said it is “excellent” or “good.” The poll surveyed a nationally representative sample of registered voters; the margin of error and party composition were not disclosed.
Trump dismissed the poll’s economic concerns, stating at the White House that “we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world” and giving the government an “A‑plus” on economics.
Paxton’s reaction to Trump
Leaked audio reported by The New York Times revealed Paxton describing Trump as a “drag” that had lowered numbers at the recent GOP midterms convention. Paxton said, “the numbers dropped our numbers. Everybody’s numbers dropped. Right now, yeah, not good.” Despite the criticism, Paxton remains on the ticket with Trump’s endorsement.
Upcoming campaign stops
Following the Denton appearance, Trump will travel to Oklahoma to thank supporters of gubernatorial nominee Mike Mazzei, then head to Alabama for a rally supporting GOP candidates in the newly drawn 2nd District. Alabama Senate candidate Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, said Trump’s upcoming tour will include “20 to 25 stops in the next five weeks” and praised the president’s contributions to the party.
Trump’s continued presence in Texas underscores the administration’s commitment to securing a Republican majority in the Senate and advancing policies that protect families, faith, and individual liberty across the Lone Star State.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
