President Trump campaigned for Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Dallas on Thursday, opening a multi-state tour meant to shore up Republican candidates in states he won easily in 2024 but where some GOP contenders are now struggling in the polls.
Speaking at a Peterbilt Motors truck facility outside Dallas, Trump called Paxton “a pain in the a–” but said he needed him in the Senate anyway. “We need Ken so badly, that’s why I am here,” Trump told the crowd.
Paxton is running against Democrat James Talarico in a race considered important to Republicans hoping to hold their Senate majority. Trump had already endorsed Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn during the primary, which secured Paxton the nomination. Trump carried Texas by nearly 15 points in 2024, but Paxton has trailed Talarico in recent polling and is facing scrutiny tied to a legal investigation.
“Ken Paxton was at my side more than anybody, and I have to always remember that because he could be a pain in the a– sometimes to be honest,” Trump said, calling him a “special man” and “one of the most loyal people.” Trump thanked Paxton for attending but did not invite him to speak. Spotting him in the crowd later, Trump remarked, “I didn’t even know he was here,” before adding, “We got to get this guy elected.”
There has been no public confirmation of tension between the two men, though a report has circulated that Paxton privately complained GOP candidates saw poll numbers drop following the president’s midterm convention in Dallas.
Trump also attacked Talarico, repeating a false claim that the Democrat is a vegan. “You got a freako. You got a freako that’s running against him,” Trump said. “He doesn’t eat meat. He’s a vegan. To put a guy, a freak like that in there would be such a horror to your state, and such a horror to the country.”
Economy and manufacturing message
Trump used the factory stop to highlight his administration’s trade and manufacturing record, pointing to tariffs on trucks that the White House credits with spurring job growth at Peterbilt. “This year the United States has added 60,000 new manufacturing jobs, and heavy truck manufacturing is almost up by about, what, 31 percent,” he said.
He told reporters Republicans need to do a better job promoting their record ahead of the midterms. “Somebody saying we’ve done a bad public relations job, but a great management job,” Trump said. “We have to get the message to get the best numbers of any president.”
Tour continues to Oklahoma, New York, possibly Alaska
From Dallas, Trump traveled to Durant, Oklahoma, to campaign for Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei. Next week he is scheduled to appear in upstate New York in support of GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. He is also considering a mid-October trip to Alaska to campaign for Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), who faces a difficult reelection fight.
“My heart’s in it. I would be home right now if it wasn’t,” Trump said of his commitment to the midterm campaign effort.
A familiar face on the factory tour
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman joined Trump for the Peterbilt facility tour, wearing sparkly black pants, Crocs and a T-shirt bearing his own picture. Trump called him “the greatest rebounder” and noted that Rodman has long-standing personal ties to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as Trump looks to restart diplomacy with Pyongyang. Durant, Oklahoma, Trump’s second stop of the night, is where Rodman attended college.
