SAN ANTONIO – President Donald Trump is coming to San Antonio this week to rally support for Ken Paxton in what is shaping up as one of the state’s most important political battlegrounds, with voter turnout, particularly among the city’s large Hispanic population expected to play a key role.
The visit comes as Republicans try to energize voters ahead of a race drawing competitive attention, with implications that extend beyond a single Senate contest.
Jon Taylor, a professor of political science and chair of the Department of Political Science and Geography at UTSA, said Trump’s appearance signals concern among Republicans.
“It means that Republicans are nervous, President Trump is nervous,” Taylor said.
Taylor said the last two years have seen a strong shift away from Republicans in polling, and he pointed to immigration, affordability and the economy as factors behind that change. He said Latino turnout could be pivotal.
“If you get a turnout in which, let’s say roughly 60%, 65% Latino for the Democrats, it means Republicans are in trouble across the board,” Taylor said.
Kyle Sinclair, vice chair of the Bexar County Republican Party, said the visit is aimed at securing the Texas vote, retaining Hispanic and independent support, and helping Republicans win the House and Senate in the midterm elections.
“It’s a big vital race. We just happen to have a key stake in it when regards to a senatorial candidate and seat,” Sinclair said.
“President Trump shared. vote as if he is on the ballot because he knows he is. His presidency is at stake for the next two years in order to codify executive orders and to continue his mission for the next two years,” Sinclair added.
Voters, meanwhile, said they are focused on their own priorities heading into the election.
“I think a big one for me is generally how they have been doing a lot of data centers,” said voter Baron Mora.
Mora also urged people to participate in the election.
“It’s important to go out, it doesn’t matter who you vote for it. What’s important is that we show up,” Mora said.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is also asking to meet with Trump during his visit, hoping to discuss affordability, tariffs, the East Side ICE facility and Medicare.
President Trump will speak at a campaign event for Paxton and congressional candidate Carlos De La Cruz.
The event is at Freeman Coliseum at 4:30 p.m., with the president expected to speak around 6 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
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Be sure to tune in tomorrow for live coverage of the event. We’ll be inside and outside the venue.