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RNC Comes to Texas as Trump Stronghold Under Threat

Trump’s Texas convention arrives as GOP fears grow, with Paxton slipping and Democrats sensing a rare chance to flip the state.

The Republican National Convention is set to take place in Dallas, Texas from September 9-10, signaling a potential threat to the longtime conservative stronghold. The GOP is utilizing the convention to rally its base and counter potential midterm losses, as recent polls indicate dissatisfaction with the Trump administration over issues such as inflation, the economy, and the Iran war.

Democratic hopes are high for flipping Texas in the 2026 midterms, with the state's Senate race between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic Representative James Talarico emerging as one of the most competitive and expensive contests. The race has become a toss-up, with recent polls showing Talarico leading.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Republican Senator Ted Cruz have also expressed concerns about the Lone Star State turning blue in the midterms. While Abbott maintains that voters will choose between Republicans' common sense and Democrats' craziness, Cruz warns of the "crazies" coming out in force.

Democrat Kendall Scudder, Texas Democratic Party chairman, states that Democrats are focusing on lowering costs, protecting healthcare, and delivering real results for working-class Texans. The Senate race is particularly concerning for Republicans, with Democrats seeing Talarico as a potential game-changer after he unseated Cornyn in the primary. While Paxton has faced personal scandals, including an impeachment by the Republican-controlled Texas House, he remains popular with Trump's support.

Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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