President Donald Trump rallied supporters Wednesday evening at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio alongside Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate.

The event marked Trump's third visit to the state in roughly a month as Republicans work to defend competitive races in a longtime stronghold. Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico in the November 3 midterm election, with recent polls showing the Republican trailing.

Trump urged attendees to treat the contest as if he himself were on the ballot and praised Paxton as "probably the greatest attorney general in the history of the state of Texas." He called Paxton tough and loyal, noting that the nominee "was with us all the way."

Both speakers took aim at Talarico. Trump repeatedly referred to him as "Talafreako" and warned that his election would destroy Texas and turn it into something resembling California. Paxton framed the race as a choice between the constitutional republic, freedom, and the Bill of Rights versus out-of-touch policies.

The rally comes amid polling that shows Talarico ahead, including a New York Times survey from early October with Talarico at 51 percent to Paxton's 45 percent. Republicans have poured tens of millions into the race to protect their slim Senate majority prospects.

Paxton has faced some internal criticism over campaign performance, but Trump has repeatedly endorsed him despite occasional public jabs at the nominee's style. The appearance also featured other Republicans, including congressional candidate Carlos De La Cruz.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not attend due to a scheduling conflict. The event drew a large crowd, with supporters waving cowboy hats and cheering as Trump took the stage.