Rubio’s campaign role is unclear as Paxton’s Senate race is tight
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio plan to visit Port Arthur, Texas, on Tuesday to show off a newly arrived oil tanker filled with Venezuelan crude. The Venezuelan crude is to be processed in Texas refineries.
The congressional aide and two U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they discussed Rubio’s plans before the itinerary was publicly announced.
The Port Arthur visit comes on the same day Trump is campaigning in Texas for Republican candidates in the midterms. Trump has rallies scheduled in Corpus Christi and Lubbock.
Trump is trying to shore up support for U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who is locked in a tight race against Democratic candidate James Talarico. His Texas itinerary places a display of Venezuelan crude and campaign events in the same state on the same day.
Rubio also serves as Trump’s national security adviser. It was not clear whether he would take part in any campaign events, although the Port Arthur trip would be his first time hitting the road with Trump as the president campaigns across the country.
The Associated Press wrote that “It’s highly unusual for the nation’s top diplomat to participate in political travel. Rubio’s trip would be the latest example of how Trump’s second presidency has blurred the lines between governing and campaigning.” Attorney General Todd Blanche has already been appearing at rallies alongside Republican candidates.
Rubio previously ran for president in 2016 and is considered a top prospect in 2028. He has not said whether he will run, and his political activities have been limited since becoming secretary of state.
Rubio’s participation in the Corpus Christi and Lubbock rallies remained unclear.