Paxton’s Fort Worth Rally Draws Rural Busloads Amid Campaign Turbulence
Republican U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton held a rally in Fort Worth on October 31, 2026, drawing approximately 175 attendees, including 70 supporters bused in from rural Wise and Jack counties. The event occurred as Paxton’s campaign faced scrutiny over canceled stops, including a planned finale at the Alamo, and as he trailed in polls against Democrat James Talarico. While Paxton’s team emphasized rural turnout, opponents highlighted the absence of urban voters and logistical failures in his final-week tour.
Key points
- A charter bus from Runaway Bay, Wise County, delivered about 70 supporters to Paxton’s 10 a.m. rally at Cullen Yards in Fort Worth, bringing total attendance to roughly 175.
- JD Enright, a longtime Paxton ally, paid for the bus and greeted attendees, citing support from Wise and Jack counties to bolster turnout in Tarrant County.
- Paxton’s campaign canceled a planned final rally at the Alamo on November 2, replacing it with events in Conroe and Allen, prompting questions about compliance with the site’s rules against political gatherings.
- Paxton trails in polls, with a recent Fox News survey showing a 49-49 tie with Talarico, while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick warned of lower Republican voter turnout compared to Democrats.
- Paxton’s 2023 impeachment for bribery remains a liability, though some allies frame it as a partisan witch hunt that strengthened conservative representation in the state legislature.
Background
The Texas U.S. Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico has been described as the most expensive in midterm history, with over $500 million spent on advertising. Prior polls indicated a deadlocked race, with Talarico leading among Hispanic, urban, and younger voters, while Paxton consolidated rural support. The contest threatens a 32-year Republican streak in statewide Texas elections.
How outlets are covering it
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram focused on the logistical effort to bring rural voters to Fort Worth, highlighting the role of JD Enright in funding the bus. The Washington Post emphasized the political narrative surrounding Paxton’s 2023 impeachment, noting how some Republicans framed it as a victory for conservative purity. The Texas Tribune and Texas Public Radio highlighted the cancellation of the Alamo stop and other tour disruptions, with Democrats criticizing Paxton’s reliance on Elon Musk’s funding and lack of in-person engagement. Outlets disagreed on the significance of the Fort Worth turnout, with some viewing it as a sign of rural mobilization and others as evidence of urban disengagement.
Why it matters
The Texas Senate race is pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate and reflects broader shifts in Republican and Democratic voter engagement. Paxton’s struggles to mobilize urban voters and logistical issues in his final-week tour could impact turnout in key counties like Tarrant, which is seen as a critical battleground. The race also highlights tensions over political access to historic sites and the role of outside funding in shaping campaign strategies.
What to watch
Election Day is on November 3, 2026. Paxton’s campaign will monitor turnout in rural and suburban areas, while Talarico continues his 'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts' tour. The outcome of the Texas race could determine control of the U.S. Senate and influence national policy priorities.
- Paxton’s Fort Worth rally attended by busload of supporters from rural counties Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- At Ken Paxton rally, impeachment had a silver lining The Washington Post
- Ken Paxton appears to cancel final rally of his “Come and Take It” tour at the Alamo The Texas Tribune
- Ken Paxton's planned Alamo campaign stop raises questions about political activity at historic site Texas Public Radio | TPR
- Must-Win MAGA Candidate Throws in Towel as Crowds Vanish The Daily Beast
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Fort Worth Star-Telegram