President Donald Trump and Democrat James Talarico held duelling rallies in deep-red Lubbock, with photos and reports indicating that both event drew thousands of supporters. In a post on social media Tuesday night, State Representative Talarico said 4,000 people attended his rally at the Fiesta Center while Trump spoke at an event across town in support of Talarico's Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico shared an image that showed a packed venue, writing: "Lubbock County voted for President Trump by 40 points.
Tonight 4,000 people showed up at our rally. Texans are ready for change." It wasn't immediately clear if Talarico's figure includes supporters who were turned away after the venue was filled. The venue’s ballroom accommodates up to 2,600 people, and KAMC reporter Jen Phillips reported that officials were planning to stretch capacity to 3,000.
The Texas Tribune reported that the line for the event spanned several city blocks. Meanwhile, Trump and Paxton appeared for a rally at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, with a reporter for The Amarillo Tribune estimating the arena was full with around 4,000 attendees. The center’s exhibit hall is listed as having a maximum capacity of 4,914.
Newsweek contacted the Talarico and Paxton campaigns via email for comment about the turnout for the rallies. While the estimates indicate that Trump's rally may have drawn a larger crowd, the turnout for Talarico was notable given Lubbock County is a longtime Republican stronghold and the president was campaigning for his opponent at the same time. Trump carried Lubbock County by 40 points in 2024, and the county has not voted for a Democratic president since 1964.
This is a developing story; more to follow.
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