President Donald Trump will hold a midterm campaign rally on Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Choctaw Nation Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma. The event, hosted by the Trump 47 Committee, is intended to support GOP gubernatorial nominee Mike Mazzei. The Choctaw Nation says it is not endorsing or sponsoring the rally; Chief Gary Batton welcomed the visit and hopes it will highlight tribal sovereignty. Doors open at 2 p.m. CT and the program begins at 6 p.m. CT.
Trump To Hold Midterm Rally At Choctaw Nation Event Center In Durant To Back GOP Governor Nominee
Choctaw Nation Event Center (Photo/Choctaw Nation(
The White House announced Friday that President Donald Trump will hold a midterm campaign rally on Thursday, October 1, at the Choctaw Nation Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma. The appearance is part of a broader campaign tour to support Republican candidates ahead of the midterm contests.
Purpose And Host
The event is intended to boost Republican nominee for Oklahoma governor Mike Mazzei, a former state senator and Tulsa businessman. The rally is being organized and hosted by the Trump 47 Committee; the Choctaw Nation has said it is not sponsoring or endorsing the event.
Choctaw Nation Response
Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton issued a statement welcoming President Trump to the nation and expressing hope that the visit will provide an opportunity to highlight tribal sovereignty and the Nation’s work for its members and southeastern Oklahoma residents.
"This is the third time we have had the honor of a sitting U.S. president coming to the Choctaw Nation, and we welcome President Trump. We hope his visit provides an opportunity to learn more about what we do as a sovereign nation for our members and for all people in southeast Oklahoma," Batton said.
The Choctaw Nation previously hosted President Barack Obama in 2015 and President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905.
Regional Context
The Choctaw Nation is located in southeastern Oklahoma, near the Texas border. The visit comes as Republicans and Democrats contest high-profile races in neighboring Texas; a poll released Friday by Texas Public Opinion Research showed Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton 49% to 44%.
Event Logistics
Doors: 2 p.m. Central Time
Program Begins: 6 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 1.
While the rally brings national attention to Durant, organizers and local leaders emphasize that the Choctaw Nation itself is not endorsing any candidate.
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