Trump returns to Texas, turning to former football stars to motivate GOP base

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump is making his third visit to Texas ahead of Election Day, campaigning for Republican candidates including Attorney General Ken Paxton, who defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the primary.
• The Texas Senate race between Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has attracted over $1 billion in ad spending, potentially making it the most expensive Senate contest in U.S. history, with Talarico currently holding a slight lead in polls.
• Trump’s rallies in Corpus Christi and Lubbock aim to energize his base, particularly young men, with appearances by former college football stars and a Super Bowl champion, as Republicans target competitive districts like Texas’ 34th Congressional District.
• Paxton benefits from substantial outside financial support, including nearly $400 million from Republican super PACs, with Elon Musk contributing $168 million to groups backing Paxton, making him the largest known GOP donor this election cycle.
• Republican strategists view Texas as a critical state where high voter turnout favors GOP candidates, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing "hardcore Trump supporters" to secure victories in both Senate and House races.