Trump to Tout Economy, Energy in Texas Ahead of GOP Primaries

President's visit to Corpus Christi aims to energize Republican base before competitive state races.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to southern Texas on Friday to highlight his economic and fossil fuel agenda, just days before Republicans face competitive primary elections in the state. The trip comes as the GOP looks to gain ground with Hispanic voters, an important constituency, in several contested U.S. House districts along the border.

Why it matters

Trump's visit to the Corpus Christi area, a top exporter of liquefied natural gas, underscores his focus on energy production and his efforts to boost Republican candidates in Texas ahead of the midterm elections. The president has stayed out of the high-profile GOP battle over a U.S. Senate seat, but his event could help energize the party's base as they look to fend off Democratic challenges in several House races.

The details

Trump's event in Corpus Christi is expected to feature Republican candidates in Senate and House races. The president has prioritized maximizing U.S. fossil fuel production by rolling back environmental regulations, which has benefited areas like southern Texas. However, a recent poll found that only 36% of people nationwide approved of Trump's handling of the economy, while 56% disapproved.

  • Trump will travel to Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • The Republican primary elections in Texas are just days after Trump's visit.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who will be touting his economic and energy agenda during the visit to Texas.

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is facing primary challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who is challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.

Wesley Hunt

The U.S. Representative who is also challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.

Adam Hinojosa

The Republican state Senator representing Corpus Christi, the first Republican to represent the Rio Grande Valley in the Texas Senate since 1874.

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What they’re saying

“We need the job opportunities, we need to make sure that our families are taken care of, we need to be able to afford all of the groceries and things to have a decent lifestyle.”

— Adam Hinojosa, State Senator (Reuters)

“It's hard to know if he is perceptive to economic concerns. I would like to think he is, however, he is the kind of character who will just kind of throw anything against the wall and see if it sticks.”

— Tiffany Ritchie, Self-declared independent voter (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.