President Donald Trump returned to Texas on Tuesday for rallies in Lubbock and Waco to support Attorney General Ken Paxton's U.S. Senate campaign. The stops mark Trump's fourth visit to the state during the election cycle as the race remains competitive ahead of the November 3 midterms.

Trump is scheduled to appear at a 2:30 p.m. event in Lubbock followed by a 6 p.m. rally in Waco. Early voting in Texas began October 19. Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff with Trump's endorsement and now faces state Rep. James Talarico in the general election.

Recent polls show the contest tight. A University of Houston survey released October 18 had Talarico leading 48% to 46%. A Marist poll from October 14 showed Talarico ahead 47% to 45%. Other October surveys, including from Fox News and Siena College, have placed Talarico narrowly in front or within the margin of error.

Trump has repeatedly criticized Democrats and highlighted Paxton's record on issues such as border security and energy. He has also blamed Sen. Cornyn and strategist Karl Rove for any challenges in the race, urging former Cornyn supporters to back Paxton. Paxton has emphasized Texas values and warned that a loss would shift the state leftward on energy and other policies.

The Texas Senate seat has been held by Republicans since 1994. The outcome carries national implications for Senate control. Trump has described Paxton as one of the strongest attorney generals in state history while defending his endorsement choice over Cornyn.