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Ken Paxton cancels planned Alamo campaign stop ahead of Election Day

Game sponsor blimp flies over downtown on April 3, 2025
Saile Aranda
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TPR
The Alamo on April 3, 2025.

This story was updated on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton has canceled his planned campaign stop at the Alamo in San Antonio on the eve of Election Day, replacing it with appearances elsewhere in Texas.

Paxton had originally planned to conclude his statewide “Come and Take It” bus tour at the historic site on Monday, Nov. 2, one day before the midterm election.

Instead, Paxton's updated campaign schedule includes stops in Conroe and Allen on Monday. The campaign has not publicly explained why the Alamo appearance was canceled.

Texas Public Radio previously contacted Paxton's campaign by phone and email seeking confirmation of the planned appearance and details about its location. The campaign did not respond.

The cancellation follows other changes to Paxton's final-week campaign schedule, including previously announced stops in Texarkana, El Paso and Tyler that were also canceled.

Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico in the race for the U.S. Senate.

Last week, the Alamo Trust, which oversees the historic complex, told TPR it was unaware of any plans for Paxton to appear on Alamo grounds.

The Alamo's Rules of Reverence are intended to maintain a respectful atmosphere at the site, which is recognized as the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

Rule 13 specifically states that “events or gatherings that include advocacy around public policy, are political in nature, or involve fundraising activities not affiliated with the Alamo are not permitted on the grounds.”

The rule applies broadly to political events and gatherings, without distinguishing among candidates or political parties.

The Alamo also recognizes First Amendment rights and maintains a designated free-speech zone on the southern portion of Plaza de Valero, near the H&M and Rivercenter Mall.

A map of a portion of downtown San Antonio highlighting the Alamo Promenade with the red star designating the free-speech zone.
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TPR
A map of a portion of downtown San Antonio highlighting the Alamo Promenade with the red star designating the free-speech zone.

According to the Alamo's website, individuals and groups can use the designated area without a permit. The site encourages advance notice to help coordinate use of the space.

The free-speech zone at the Alamo, marked by a large star with an engraved quote from Benjamin Franklin that reads "Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such Thing as Wisdom; and no such Thing as public Liberty, without Freedom of Speech."
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TPR
The free-speech zone at the Alamo, marked by a large star with an engraved quote from Benjamin Franklin that reads "Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such Thing as Wisdom; and no such Thing as public Liberty, without Freedom of Speech."

There are restrictions, however. Audio amplification is prohibited, as are physical structures such as tables and tents, blocking pedestrian pathways, and commercial solicitation.

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