McLennan County political parties share expectations for Trump’s upcoming visit to Waco

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The McLennan County Republican and Democratic parties tell KWTX they are interested to hear what former President Donald J. Trump has to say at his first political rally of 2023, scheduled to be held Saturday, March 25th, at the Waco Regional Airport.

“This is all about campaign 2024, looking ahead, trying to win back the presidency for Republicans in the coming campaign,” said Bradford Holland, the chairman of the local Republican Party.

The Democratic Party in McLennan County is not convinced. “(Trump’s) going to come in, and speak, and leave, and nobody’s lives will be any different than they were before he came,” said Mark Hays, the chairman of the local Democratic Party.

Whether you’ll be at the rally or not, the Republican Party in Central Texas thinks it’s a best-case scenario for Trump to visit Central Texas.

“It makes intuitive sense - someone trying to win a Republican primary is coming to where the votes are instead of, necessarily, always where the big money is,” said Holland.

Big money being the larger cities like Dallas and Austin with huge funding.

While McLennan County Republicans are focused on the vote, the county’s Democrats ask that you focus on the current legislature.

“Our focus needs to stay on the Texas legislature and that’s where the voters or anyone who’s concerned with better government should be directing their attention at this time,” said Hays.

You’ll see McLennan County’s Republican party at the rally but we’re told they’ll be there supporting the party rather than a specific candidate.

“Yes, we are helping but that doesn’t mean we’re endorsing. We are staying neutral. We’d do the same for any presidential campaign that comes to Waco and we hope that they all do,” said Holland.

The parking area for the event will open at 8 a.m. and entry gates will open at noon. The event is expected to begin at 2 p.m.

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