Trump campaigns in Lubbock as midterms loom, while voter fraud claims persist

Former President Donald Trump is actively campaigning in Texas, holding multiple rallies in Corpus Christi and Lubbock today, October 27, 2026. These events mark his third and fourth visits to the state this election cycle, just one week before the crucial midterm elections. His efforts are largely aimed at bolstering Republican turnout and supporting key candidates, including U.S. Senate hopeful Ken Paxton, who is in a closely contested race against Democrat James Talarico.

Despite Trump's direct involvement, recent analyses suggest his influence may be waning. Polls conducted in October 2026 indicate a decline in his approval ratings, with one Pew Research Center survey showing his approval at 30% and another NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reporting 40% approval among likely voters. A significant portion of voters, 44%, stated their congressional vote is primarily against the former president, while only 21% said their vote is in his favor.

Furthermore, a plurality of voters believe that Trump's presence is hindering Republican chances in the upcoming elections, with nearly half indicating they would be less likely to support a candidate he endorses. Democrats currently hold an advantage in generic congressional ballots. Analysts suggest that if the Republican party loses congressional majorities, Trump's political leverage could be significantly diminished, potentially leading to challenges in advancing his agenda during the remainder of his term.