President Donald Trump addressed a massive crowd at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center on Tuesday, Oct. 27, as part of his effort to rally support for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton. The event matters to Lubbock residents because it brings national attention to the city and could influence a Senate race that political analysts say may determine control of the chamber in Washington.
According to Lubbock Lights, the sisters Kim Owens and Laura Survant arrived around 8:30 a.m. with folding chairs they planned to discard after the long wait. Local media estimates put the line at roughly 15,000 people, with about 5,000 admitted into the exhibit hall, which filled to capacity. Owens estimated their seats were four or five rows behind the stage.
Owens and Survant described the day as a spontaneous community gathering. “Can I be your sister?” a woman asked them, and she ended up sitting with the sisters inside the hall. A young father from The Cheesecake Factory and his wife cared for their 5‑month‑old baby while they watched the rally, a scene Owens called “a beautiful thing to see.” The sisters also noted Trump’s claim that retirement‑account gains were 65%‑70%, prompting Owens to joke, “I need to use his advisor.”
During his remarks, President Trump praised Lubbock’s agricultural heritage, calling the city the “cotton capital of the world” and lauding local farmers and ranchers. He also highlighted Texas Tech, noting the university’s fight and recognizing former receiver Danny Amendola and current offensive lineman Cody Campbell’s son. Owens said Trump’s decision to “put his guns up” was a “big deal” for the crowd.
The rally served as a campaign stop for Sen. Paxton. Trump called Paxton “the greatest attorney general in the history of Texas” and urged voters to turn out to protect his tax cuts and agenda. The opening lineup featured U.S. Reps. Jodey Arrington and Brandon Gill, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, and other state leaders, all of whom were recognized by the President.
KUT reported that the Senate race is extremely competitive. An Emerson College/Nexstar Media poll released in October shows Democratic challenger James Talarico at 48% and Paxton at 46%, while a Rasmussen Reports survey found the candidates tied. Political science lecturers cited by KUT said the close numbers underscore the importance of Trump’s visit to energize the Republican base in a state where the Senate seat could decide congressional control.
What’s next: Election Day is a week away, and Lubbock voters will head to the polls to decide whether Paxton can hold the seat for Republicans. The turnout at the rally suggests strong local enthusiasm for the President’s agenda and for the upcoming Senate contest.
Sources: lubbocklights.com, kut.org
