Trump Holds Rally for Texas Senate Candidate Paxton

Trump headlined a campaign rally in San Antonio Wednesday night for Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton. It was Trump's second visit to Texas in less than a week.

• 7 recent polls all show Talarico leading Paxton by 1 to 7 points.
• 51% to 45% was the widest gap, per a New York Times poll on Oct. 3.
• Paxton privately said his numbers dropped after Trump's Dallas convention in September.
• Paxton's campaign called the Times report 'manipulated nonsense.'

Why it matters: Texas is a must-hold seat for Republicans. A Talarico win would shift the Senate balance.

• Republicans are intensifying campaign activity in the state ahead of midterm elections.

How 12 sources split on this story

What’s next: Gov. Greg Abbott skipped Wednesday's rally due to a scheduling conflict.

• Abbott faces his own reelection race and did not clarify his Wednesday schedule.
• Whether Trump's repeated Texas appearances narrow Paxton's polling deficit or worsen it.
• What effect Paxton's private comments about Trump — once reported publicly — will have on Republican turnout.