Over the span of a week, Corpus Christi was visited by five political figures, including President Donald Trump, in hopes of swaying South Texas voters in the midterm election. The city became a battleground for the parties during this election cycle.
From Oct. 20 to Oct. 27, Corpus Christi residents were visited by campaigning politicians up for election this mid-term, including Gov. Greg Abbott and State Rep. Gina Hinojosa competing in the governor’s race, then Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Rep. James Talarico vying for one of Texas U.S. Senate seats. Both races have been attempting to win over Corpus Christi’s voters.
The contentious races even led to President Trump making his second visit to the Port of Corpus Christi this year to rally support for Texas Republicans. Trump’s last visit in February stressed the importance of the port in global energy markets and its status as the nation’s largest energy gateway. During his Oct. 27 visit, Trump touted his undefeated record in winning Texas three times and suggested that Venezuela, where much of U.S. oil comes from, should become the 51st state.
“Let’s make the next two years bigger, better, and stronger than ever before because together we will make America powerful again, wealthy again, healthy again, strong again, proud again, safe again, and most importantly, we will make America great again,” Trump declared during his speech, urging attendees to vote for all the Republican candidates.
The Democratic Party also had a close eye on the city, holding their three-day Texas Democratic Convention at the Hilliard Center June 25-27, letting residents know South Texas was on their radar.
Abbott, the incumbent of nearly 12 years, packed Brewster Street Ice House on Oct. 20 to rally for his re-election and boost other Republican candidates. His speeches touched on topics like election integrity, Democrats pushing children to change their gender and safeguarding land from foreign adversaries, such as the Muslim Brotherhood.
But the main message being delivered was that all present needed to act to keep Texas red, to outvote Democrats, and “to keep Texas, Texas,” Abbott told the crowd to cheers from his seasoned supporters.
Paxton followed the next day on Oct. 21, using the same venue. He stressed the same importance for Republican party members to not get complacent, that they would easily win over red districts like before, and getting out to vote is a necessary action this election cycle. Paxton taunted his opponent Talarico with a moniker given by Trump, “Talafreako.”
Talarico was the first Democrat to appear on the scene in response to the Republican visits, holding his own rally on Oct. 24 at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures to an overflowing crowd of South Texans.
He spoke of his opponent Paxton’s checkered past as well as the shared class enemy of billionaires between both parties. Billionaire Elon Musk has funded numerous attack ads about Talarico.
Talarico drew parallels to the biblical story of David and Goliath to drive home the point, stating the Goliaths of today are billionaire mega-donors, corporate special interests, and the entire Washington D.C. establishment.
“Corpus Christi, you are my slingshot. The people of Texas are my slingshot,” Talarico said.
Hinojosa was the final candidate to arrive on Oct. 26, a day before the President’s visit, and hosted her rally at the downtown Holiday Inn on North Shoreline Boulevard. Hinojosa mentioned the elephant in the city’s room “I see y’all are getting a lot of visits these days from politicians… That’s exciting, that’s your power. This is ground zero to decide this election.”
At the end of election night, the Democrats prevailed, with Talarico and Hinojosa flipping Texas blue. The last time Texas elected a Democratic senator was Lloyd Bentsen 1988, and the last Democratic governor elected was Ann Richards, in 1990.
