Paxton draws Lubbock supporters at West Texas US Senate campaign stop - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Paxton faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in a closely watched race for the seat. The Lubbock stop pulled in local GOP leaders looking to shore up support ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Tom Sell joined Paxton at the event. He's running as the Republican candidate for Texas' 19th Congressional District, the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington. His appearance alongside Paxton ties the Senate race to down-ballot contests across the region as Republicans coordinate their push heading into November.

For people here, the visit is a reminder that Lubbock and the surrounding Panhandle-South Plains region carry real weight in statewide GOP politics. Candidates don't stop in Lubbock by accident. West Texas turnout can matter in a race as tight as the one shaping up between Paxton and Talarico.

Whether that translates into votes come Election Day is a separate question from whether it translates into headlines. Paxton got both on Sept. 19.