President Donald Trump praised Texas Tech, recognized Lubbock-area officeholders and urged Republicans to vote during a Tuesday night rally at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. His October 27 appearance was part of a final campaign push for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who faces Democrat James Talarico on November 3.
Thousands gather at the Civic Center
According to KCBD, initial estimates placed about 15,000 people around the Civic Center, with slightly more than 5,000 getting inside. Some attendees arrived the previous evening to wait in line. Speakers were set up outside for people unable to enter.
Trump acknowledged the overflow during his speech: “We love you outside.” He said thousands of people couldn't get in, though that number was his own characterization, not an independently established count of the outside viewing audience.
Trump praises Texas Tech and Cody Campbell
Turning to Texas Tech, Trump called it “a great school” and said opponents know “they're in a fight when they're fighting Texas Tech.”
He recognized Cody Campbell, chairman of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents and a former Red Raider offensive tackle. Trump credited Campbell with helping on name, image and likeness issues, saying an effort addressing NIL was getting close “in order to save college football.” He did not announce a completed agreement. Trump also spoke briefly about Campbell's son and his prospects as an offensive lineman.
Local and state officials recognized
Trump called out Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, praising Patrick's association with his campaigns since 2016. He also recognized U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, a former White House physician.
The president named Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, state Sen. Charles Perry and Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer. “Thank you, Mark, great job,” Trump said after naming the mayor.
Before Trump's speech, Campbell, Burrows and outgoing U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington addressed the crowd, according to KCBD. Burrows said approximately 45,000 Republican voters in Lubbock County had not yet voted. That figure concerned voter turnout, not ticket requests.
Paxton and the November election
Trump called Paxton “the greatest attorney general in the history of Texas,” a campaign endorsement rather than an independent assessment of his record. He attacked Talarico's positions on energy, immigration, gun rights and social issues and encouraged voters to support Abbott, Patrick and other Republican candidates.
Trump warned that Democrats gaining control of Congress could complicate his legislative agenda. “I'll be vetoing like crazy,” he said, adding that he would rather work on legislation than block it.
Paxton joined Trump onstage and asked supporters to encourage other Republicans to vote. Talarico held a separate rally at Lubbock's Fiesta Center the same evening.
Energy, immigration and the economy
Trump highlighted oil and gas production, criticized Biden-era methane regulations and argued that his energy policies would reduce costs. He also discussed rising electricity demand from data centers.
On immigration, he praised border enforcement and called for restrictions on sanctuary cities. He promoted his administration's tax and economic policies, including provisions concerning tips, overtime income and interest on loans for qualifying American-made vehicles.
Voting continues through Friday
Early voting ends Friday, October 30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Readers can find races and local voting resources in the Lubbock Chronicle's On the Ballot 2026 guide.
