Trump campaigns for Mazzei, Hern at delayed but roaring Oklahoma rally: Recap
DURANT — President Donald Trump told an Oklahoma crowd that the future of his "America First" agenda depends on Republicans getting out to vote.
Appearing nearly two hours later than planned, the president warned that his signature tariffs and crackdown on immigration could be imperiled if the GOP loses control of Congress.
Trump started his speech by offering a "very special hello" to Durant and to Oklahoma. He then called out three Republicans on the ballot — two in Oklahoma and one in Texas — as the candidates for GOP voters to support: Mike Mazzei for Oklahoma governor, Kevin Hern for U.S. Senate from Oklahoma and Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate from Texas, a short drive from Durant.
"Just 33 days from now the people from Oklahoma are going to defeat the radical left Democrats once again," Trump said.
A few thousand people filled the Choctaw Event Center, where the rally was held. Trump said delays from the rainy weather forced him to arrive much later than planned.
A string of high-profile Republican politicians, including Mazzei and U.S. Homeland Security Sec. Markwayne Mullin, took the stage before Trump. Mullin told the receptive crowd to vote for all Republicans on the ballot, even those candidates whom voters may have personally opposed in the primary election.
Hern, a Tulsa congressman is running for Oklahoma's vacant seat in the U.S. Senate, said even though Trump's name won't appear on the ballot, his "America First" agenda will.
With the rally, the president is hoping to boost his party's chances of retaining control of Congress during his final two years in office. Democrats have tried to gain momentum by seizing on his slumping approval ratings and blaming the president's agenda for high gas and grocery prices.
More: Trump rally in Oklahoma today: Schedule, tickets, weather, what to know
The event marked Trump's first appearance in Oklahoma since 2020 and kicks off a trio of red state rallies planned by Trump. Hundreds of people waited hours in the rain for a chance to attend.
Instead of targeting states where elections are up in the air, Trump is rallying in places where Republicans have reliable strongholds. GOP voters outnumber Democrats in Oklahoma by two to one, making Republican candidates the morning-line favorites in every statewide race on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Several Republican politicians from Oklahoma, including U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen, appeared at the event. The party's nominees for lieutenant governor and state treasurer, T.W. Shannon and Cindy Byrd, also delivered speeches before Trump, as did GOP megadonor and oil magnate Harold Hamm.
Journalists from The Oklahoman are covering the rally. Follow along for live coverage throughout the day.
What are Trump's approval ratings in Oklahoma?
12:10 AM ET, October 2 2026, Josh Kelly
In Oklahoma, a recent Civiqs/Ipsos poll suggests that Trump is only marginally holding onto his approval within the state. With a 47% approval rating, he only has a modest two-point lead over the disapproval rating.
Regarding age, his approval rating is primarily concentrated among 50-year-olds and older survey takers, who hold a 56% approval rating, which is the average of the 50-64-year-old survey takers (52%) and 65+-year-old survey takers (59%).
Of the 131,787 responders, Trump's largest source of approval remains among Republicans, with 75% approval. Along party lines, the disapproval is largely one-sided, with 98% of Democrats and 68% of independents disapproving of the Republican leader.
Trump concludes remarks, exits stage
10:20 PM ET, October 1 2026, Cheyenne Derksen
Around 9:15 p.m., Trump concluded his remarks, leading the crowd in shouting "Make America Great Again," then began exiting the stage. As "YMCA" by the Village People played over the speakers, he danced and waved to the crowd as attendees sang along.
Is Trump sending $500 checks? $5,000?
10:14 PM ET, October 1 2026, Josh Kelly
During his remarks, President Donald Trump mentioned that nearly a million Americans, including thousands of Oklahomans , are set to receive $500 after his administration said they were overcharged through the Affordable Care Act 's federal exchange for buying health insurance.
Treasury Department checks, along with letters signed by Trump notifying recipients, would begin going out to more than 950,000 Americans across 30 states on Sept. 30, according to an administration official.
"For years, the Biden administration overcharged you to fund the operation of HealthCare.gov," Trump says in the letter, which was viewed by USA TODAY. "That money belongs to hard-working Americans, not the Government, and now I'm returning it to you!"
According to the White House, 12,700 Oklahomans are set to receive the checks.
Trump announced his office would send the $500 Obamacare refund check on Sept. 10 in a video posted by the White House.
While this is a financial contribution from the office, it is separate from the $5,000 dividend Trump has promised to all Americans if Republicans retain control of Congress after the November midterm election.
Trump offers near-blanket endorsement for Oklahoma Republicans
10:09 PM ET, October 1 2026, Ben Felder and Maria Guinnip
Listing off Oklahoma politicians one by one, President Trump gave his "complete and total endorsement" to nearly every Republican running to represent the state in Congress.
His list included longtime U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. "He's been with me for a lot of battles, and we've won 'em all," the president said.
He did not name U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, who faces Democratic challenger Jena Nelson in a race to retain her seat representing Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District. The president previously endorsed Bice ahead of her primary race in June.
Trump also extended his backing to several GOP candidates for state-level office, including T.W. Shannon for lieutenant governor, whom he described as a friend.
Trump called out several supporters in the state by name, including Republican megadonor and Continental Resources founder Harold Hamm.
Trump repeats promise of $5,000 checks
09:41 PM ET, October 1 2026, Molly Young
At his Durant rally, President Trump repeated his pledge to issue $5,000 "dividend" checks to every adult in the U.S. should Republicans retain control of Congress.
He said the checks would be paid for by tariffs opposed by Democrats, meaning only Republicans could deliver on the promised payments.
The proposal — which would cost $1.2 trillion, far more than tariffs have generated — has been met with widespread skepticism from critics.
Trump takes the stage at Oklahoma rally
09:03 PM ET, October 1 2026, Cheyenne Derksen
Shortly after 7:50 p.m., President Donald Trump took the stage in the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma.
He was slated to appear at 6 p.m., but was waylaid by a weather delay and a speaking engagement earlier that afternoon in Denton, Texas, which is about an hour and a half south of Durant.
"This was not an easy trip," Trump said.
He told the crowd his advisors suggested cancelling the Oklahoma stop, which was met with boos from attendees. He also said that because of bad weather, flying to Oklahoma wouldn't be possible, so advisors said they'd have to drive.
"Get your asses in that car; we are going to Oklahoma," Trump said as the crowd cheered.
Trump arrives at Oklahoma rally
08:10 PM ET, October 1 2026, Bryan Terry
Shortly after 7 p.m., Trump arrived at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Okahoma, in a motorcade.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the rainy weather had prevented his plane and helicopter from landing in Durant, so officials made the decision to drive from Denton, Texas, where he had been earlier in the day.
"It won't be long! I love you all. See you in a little while," Trump wrote.
Mazzei takes the stage at Trump rally
07:13 PM ET, October 1 2026, Ben Felder
"Hello, Durant," Mike Mazzei shouted as he took the stage, stretching the first vowel like many locals.
"I am amazed at this incredible crowd. I'm not surprised to see a packed house, and we all know why. I wish it were me."
Mazzei told the crowd that Trump inspired him to run for governor, describing himself as another businessman who was not a member of the political elite, despite his long tenure in the state Senate.
Mazzei criticized his Democratic opponent, Cyndi Munson, as too liberal and pledged to carry out Trump's agenda should he be elected. Earlier Thursday, Mazzei and Munson met for their first and only debate ahead of the general election. A recording of the debate is set to air at 7 p.m. on OETA.
T.W. Shannon: Capitalism, Constitution, and Christianity make America great
07:12 PM ET, October 1 2026, Maria Guinnip
T.W. Shannon, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, said the three things that make America great again are capitalism, our Constitution, and Christianity.
He also described touring the state and speaking with voters in towns similar to Durant. Shannon summarized what he's heard on the campaign trail to three central things: "We want you to fix the roads, we want you to fix the schools and then we want you to leave us the hell alone."
Shannon is a longtime backer of Trump and became known for his efforts to rally Black voters for Trump. The president quickly endorsed Shannon in his current race for lieutenant governor, where he'll face a Democratic opponent in the general election.
Crowd at Trump rally in Oklahoma packs event center
07:11 PM ET, October 1 2026, Ben Felder
Bleachers and floor seats were entirely full at the Choctaw Event Center, which lists its capacity at just under 5,000. People were still flowing in at 6 p.m., before President Trump's arrival.
Like many Trump rallies, the crowd is lively, with many decked in patriotic attire and red Make America Great Again hats.
Tedford: 'This election matters'
06:54 PM ET, October 1 2026, Maria Guinnip
Mark Tedford, running for Oklahoma's First Congressional District, joined Cindy Byrd in rallying for voter turnout in midterm races. They both emphasized the importance of this election.
"Let's give President Trump the Congress that he needs to finish the job," Tedford said. "That's why this election matters."
Trump heads to Oklahoma after Texas remarks
06:51 PM ET, October 1 2026, Cheyenne Derksen
Just after 5:30 p.m., Trump concluded his remarks at a Peterbilt factory in Denton, Texas, and is expected to head to Durant, Oklahoma.
It's unclear when Trump might take the stage, but meanwhile, a string of Republican politicians continued to give speeches to an eager crowd at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant.
Protesters set up next to Choctaw Event Center
06:30 PM ET, October 1 2026, Josh Kelly
Before President Donald Trump took the stage, protesters from across Oklahoma began showing up to express their dissent.
Elisa Standridge, organizer for Organizing Okies in Oklahoma City, said that she is protesting not only against Trump's agenda but for his presence on native land.
"This is my home nation. I'm a Choctaw member, and I just could not stand that this person, that I know he's a sitting president, [could come here]," Standridge said. "He's already been convicted of crimes. Serious crimes and is under investigation for other serious crimes. So to come out here, like, Oklahoma, because 'We're all red, and it's all good.' We're red with rage, not with Republicans."
Within the first hour, roughly 40 people had gathered, with more expected to arrive through the afternoon, protesters said.
Attendees held up signs and banners representing a variety of concerns, ranging from "Believe Women!," and "No War" to a "Mazzei is Bananas" sign, held by a person wearing a banana costume.
Members of the American Indian Movement also played music by Indigenous rappers and waved flags representing the organization.
For Tlvdugi Benoit, 28, of Langley, Oklahoma, she had several reasons to protest Thursday.
"ICE is one of them," Benoit said. "I don't believe that we should have a closed border."
But Benoit also stands for the Indigenous community in Oklahoma and across the U.S. She brought a sign that said "Get the [expletive] off our land."
"We're just taking giant steps backwards in progress," Benoit said. "I'm here, and I brought my husband, and we're standing up against it, even if it doesn't change it like I want it to. It still shows them, 'Hey, there are people out here who have a problem with this, and we're not gonna stand for it, and we'll do anything we can to stop it,'" Benoit said.
Watch live: Trump rally in Durant, Oklahoma
06:19 PM ET, October 1 2026, Cheyenne Derksen
President Donald Trump will take the stage at his Oklahoma rally on Thursday, Oct. 1, where he will stump for Republicans ahead of the midterm election.
The president is scheduled to speak around 6 p.m. after a string of speeches by other Republican politicians.
You can watch the rally live below.
Cindy Byrd says Oklahomans will turn out for Trump 'rain or shine'
06:16 PM ET, October 1 2026, Ben Felder
Oklahoma State Auditor Cindy Byrd, who is the Republican nominee for state treasurer, told the crowd the state remains "solid red" in all 77 counties.
"Rain or shine, the people of Oklahoma will always turn out for President Donald Trump," Byrd said. Byrd challenged Texas, which is nearby, to "become as red as Oklahoma."
Trump tells Texas crowd Oklahomans are 'waiting in the rain'
06:12 PM ET, October 1 2026, Cheyenne Derksen
While giving remarks at a Peterbilt factory in Denton, Texas, on Thursday afternoon, Trump told the crowd that he's headed to Oklahoma next, where a "massive crowd is there waiting in the rain," but he couldn't skip visiting Texas first.
"It's raining like hell," Trump said.
He added that he won all of Oklahoma's 77 counties in each of his three presidential runs.
"They're waiting by the thousands, and still, I'm not going to rush anything. We're going to have a little conversation," Trump said.
US Treasurer Brandon Beach speaks to Oklahoma crowd
05:59 PM ET, October 1 2026, Ben Felder
Brandon Beach, treasurer of the United States, began addressing the crowd shortly before 5 p.m.
He promoted the recent release of a new $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump's image. He encouraged the crowd to get these coins and "go to your favorite liberal coffee shop and watch their head explode."
What time is Trump speaking today?
05:57 PM ET, October 1 2026, Cheyenne Derksen
Trump is scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma rally after a string of speeches by other Republican politicians, but the president appears to be running behind schedule, so its unclear when exactly he may take the stage in Durant.
He was slated to appear around 3 p.m. in Denton, Texas, to deliver remarks at a Peterbilt factory, though his speech began around 4:45 p.m. on Oct. 1.
Rally venue begins to fill as crowd awaits Trump
05:14 PM ET, October 1 2026, Ben Felder and Maria Guinnip
Shortly before 4 p.m., a few hundred guests had entered the Choctaw Event Center, where a stage is flanked by an American and Oklahoma flag on either side. Music is playing loudly, including Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and DJ Khaled's "All I Do is Win." One man handed out red and blue signs that said, "Lower paychecks" and "Lower prices."
The crowd was awaiting President Donald Trump, who was still a few hours and 80 miles away. The president was set to take the stage at a factory in Denton, Texas, before traveling to Durant. He's expected to appear at the rally around 6 p.m.
Several Oklahoma political figures had already arrived at the rally before the president, including Canadian County Sheriff Chris West and state Agriculture Sec. Blayne Arthur. The parents of Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei were also in the crowd.
Excitement for Trump drowns out rain for attendees
05:06 PM ET, October 1 2026, Ben Felder and Maria Guinnip
Even in the glow of the Choctaw Casino floor, Trish Liscom, Mary Baranski and Brooke Thomas stood out in their patriotic attire of American flag vests and "Make America Great Again" hats.
The women from Oklahoma City had traveled to Durant to attend President Donald Trump's rally at the event center next door to the casino.
"It's the one and only time I've been able to," Thomas said. "He's coming to Oklahoma; I can at least go and see him."
All three are Republicans and Trump supporters.
"You can trust him," Liscom said.
Shuttles were taking guests from the casino across the street to the event center. But the three women decided to skip the long shuttle line and walk, even as steady rain fell.
The rain "isn't going to hurt; we'll be inside soon," Liscom said.
Republicans, Democrats line up before doors open
02:49 PM ET, October 1 2026, Josh Kelly
The line of roughly 300 people waiting to get into the Trump rally is not only filled with people from both sides of the Oklahoma-Texas line, but also party lines.
Stacy Thompson, 62, of Durant, said that he is here to show support for the president and also the nation.
"It needs all the support it can get; We're divided, and we need the country to come together," Thompson said while waiting in the rain.
Thompson said he lived in town when former President Barack Obama visited Durant in 2015 and believes appearances by presidents deserve a show of respect. He said he was also glad to attend Trump's speech in support of Mike Mazzei, the Republican candidate for Oklahoma governor.
On the other side of party lines, a Durant Democrat waiting to enter the rally said she was thankful the sitting president took time to visit the Choctaw Nation, which is hosting the event. Presidential visits to tribal lands are relatively rare.
She declined to be identified because she didn't want her remarks to be seen as speaking on behalf of her employer. Regardless of what political party is in power, she said she hopes insurance premiums and gas prices go down.
Traffic picks up around event center
01:54 PM ET, October 1 2026, Josh Kelly
Hours before President Trump is set to appear at his first Oklahoma rally since 2020, traffic is building around the event venue south of Durant. A crowd of a few hundred people is standing in line outside the Choctaw Event Center.
Many people are wearing raincoats and holding umbrellas as they wait in the rain. The weather is also prompting some attendees to take different routes to get to the venue. Police are in the area directing drivers to specific lots.
Doors open to the public at 2 p.m., about four hours before Trump is scheduled to speak. Here is a live look at traffic:
FAA locks down airspace ahead of Trump visit
01:32 PM ET, October 1 2026, Dale Denwalt
The FAA has scheduled temporary flight restrictions around Durant that will go into effect at 4:45 p.m.
Such restrictions, which are in place for the movement of VIPs, severely limits what can be in the air within 10 or 30 miles of a point. Similar aircraft restrictions are in place for Dallas and Denton, Texas, where Trump is scheduled to appear Thursday afternoon before arriving in Durant for a rally with GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei and other Republican politicians.
U.S. Republican Sen. James Lankford, who is traveling with Trump on Air Force One, shared on social media around 12:30 p.m. Central Time that he had boarded the flight.
The restrictions ban most aircraft, except for those used by military, law enforcement, air ambulances or scheduled commercial and cargo flights that are operating under approved security procedures.
General aircraft approaching or flying in the restricted zone would likely be intercepted by armed fighter jets. Any drones operating in the area risk being disabled or destroyed, and violators can be prosecuted under federal law.
Attendees come in from Texas, Oklahoma
12:55 PM ET, October 1 2026, Josh Kelly
As attendees pile line up to attend the Trump rally at the Choctaw Event Center, cars are coming from two main places: Oklahoma and Texas.
Durant, sitting just 15 miles north of the Red River, is a border city that allows the president to draw crowds from both states at once. It's also about an hour and a half north of Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the largest metro areas in the United States.
A Republican National Committee official told an NPR reporter before the event that the rally can benefit from its proximity to the Oklahoma and DFW markets.
Attendees who spoke with The Oklahoman have traveled from different parts of both states, including Troy and Bonham, Texas and Calera and Meade, Oklahoma.
Donald Trump's Texas, Oklahoma trip
12:22 PM ET, October 1 2026, Cheyenne Derksen
President Donald Trump has a full schedule of appearances in the region today.
He's first set to appear in Denton, Texas, this afternoon to deliver remarks about manufacturing and his economic agenda at a Peterbilt truck factory. Then, he'll head to Durant, Oklahoma, for a midterm election rally where he's slated to speak around 6 p.m. in support of GOP candidates.
Trump, Lankford share video ahead of rally
12:16 PM ET, October 1 2026, Alexia Aston
In a video posted on social media on Wednesday, Sept. 30, ahead of the rally, President Donald Trump said he loves Oklahoma and thanked U.S. Sen. James Lankford along with U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern, who's running to represent Oklahoma in the Senate, and congressional candidate Mark Tedford. All are Republicans.
"Together with these Oklahoma patriots, and that's what they are to me, gave you the largest tax cut in American history, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on social security for our great seniors," Trump said.
Protests planned outside Trump rally
11:37 AM ET, October 1 2026, Molly Young
Opponents of President Donald Trump and his agenda are planning to gather outside his Durant rally, with at least one caravan of protesters planning to make the trip from the Oklahoma City area.
Organizers of several anti-Trump groups, including OKC Women's March, say they will travel together from Norman to southeast Oklahoma, a trip that takes a little over two hours. "Groceries cost more. Gas costs more. Data centers are moving into our communities, and Flock cameras are watching our streets," says a post on social media outlining the protest plans. "Oklahomans deserve better, and we are taking our message straight to him."
Ahead of the planned demonstrations, Oklahoma's branch of the American Civil Liberties Union posted on social media about protest rights covered by the First Amendment.
Trump, Lankford traveling to Oklahoma
11:23 AM ET, October 1 2026, Molly Young
President Trump plans to travel to his Durant rally on Air Force One with Republican Sen. James Lankford, according to Oklahoma's senior U.S. senator.
Lankford said on social media that he will join the president on his flight from Washington, D.C., to visit the Sooner State on Thursday, Oct. 1.
According to the White House, Trump plans to land in the Dallas area in the afternoon and visit a factory. Trump and his entourage will then travel about 90 miles north to Durant, where the rally is set to take place. His speech is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., with other speakers starting at 4 p.m.
Lankford and Trump have at times disagreed on policy issues, most notably in 2024 when Lankford negotiated a bipartisan immigration reform bill opposed by Trump. Lankford is now helping to lead an effort to protect religious degrees from Trump-backed cuts to federal student aid.
The latest move hasn't appeared to bother Trump too much. In a social media video posted Sept. 30, Trump thanked Lankford and other Oklahoma Republicans, calling them patriots who have helped advance his agenda.
Line forms outside arena in the rain
10:47 AM ET, October 1 2026, Bryan Terry
As rain fell on Thursday morning, a line began to form outside of the Choctaw Casino Resort Event Center. Attendees had chairs, umbrellas, and ponchos ready as severe weather was forecast for Durant throughout the day.
Attendees brave rain hours ahead of Trump rally
10:46 AM ET, October 1 2026, Bryan Terry
As early as 9 a.m., several dozen supporters began gathering outside the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma.
Those in line brought umbrellas to prepare for hours in the rain, which is forecast to last all day.
Organizers will begin letting people in at 2 p.m. and the president is set to take the stage at 6 p.m.
Trump visit occurs as Oklahoma GOP faces midterm election concerns
10:45 AM ET, October 1 2026, Alexia Aston
President Donald Trump is appearing in Oklahoma during a widely anticipated rally with Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei as the GOP struggles in polling ahead of the midterm election.
The Thursday, Oct. 1, rally in Durant will be held on the same night as the only debate between Mazzei and his Democratic competitor, Cyndi Munson. It will be the first time Trump has held a public event in Oklahoma since 2020.
Trump's decision to visit deep red Oklahoma, followed by Alabama, a month before the election has created confusion among political onlookers as Republicans grapple with troublesome polling in swing states that will likely determine the balance of power in Congress.
Severe weather in Oklahoma
10:12 AM ET, October 1 2026, Josh Kelly
Though the rally will be held indoors, severe weather is expected to impact much of Oklahoma.
Durant is expected to have a thick cloud cover with several heavy thunderstorms through the day. The storms could bring flash flooding and localized wind gusts, according to AccuWeather forecasts.
Bryan County was issued a flood watch warning on Wednesday afternoon that isn't expected to end until Thursday at 1 p.m.
Tickets, how to attend
10:11 AM ET, October 1 2026, Josh Kelly
Tickets for the event are free and can be reserved online at events.gop.com . Up to four tickets to the event can be reserved.
Doors to the event open at 2 p.m., and remarks will begin at 6 p.m. at the Choctaw Casino Resort Event Center
Durant is a 2.5-hour drive south of Oklahoma City near the Texas border. It's a part of the state that remains strongly supportive of Trump. Bryan County, where Durant is located, is also one of the strongest bases of support for Oklahoma GOP governor nominee Mike Mazzei, who received Trump's endorsement during the primary election.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trump campaigns for Mazzei, Hern at delayed but roaring Oklahoma rally: Recap
