President Donald Trump returned to Corpus Christi for the second time in less than a year, holding a rally one week before Election Day to encourage support for Republican candidates across Texas.
The event featured several Republican candidates making their case to voters before Trump took the stage after hours of anticipation.
Pastor Michael Fehlauer of New Life Church opened the rally with a prayer.
“Means a lot for our city. It means a lot for our community. It means a lot for the state of Texas,” Fehlauer said.
Multiple Republican candidates also addressed the crowd, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Eric Flores and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Patrick said, “And are we going to leave here today, with him having the confidence that we’re gonna stop communism, Marxism and socialism here in Texas?”
The audience cheered in response.
Flores highlighted the region’s water needs, saying, “The challenges are real. Families need water for generations to come.”
Paxton also addressed the crowd, asking, “Would you agree that President Trump knows how to pack a crowd?”
After hours of anticipation, Trump took the stage and discussed immigration policies, Venezuelan oil and gas prices.
“Texas has produced more oil and gas than anytime in its history,” Trump said.
Trump also criticized Democratic candidates and their policy agendas, focusing much of his remarks on Paxton and his Democratic opponent, James Talarico.
Trump’s visit came as residents across the Coastal Bend continue to look for solutions to the region’s water needs. Although Trump previously promised to help Corpus Christi build a desalination plant, he did not mention the project during the rally.