EDINBURG, Texas - Former President Donald Trump is set to return to Texas on Sunday, where he will join forces with Texas Governor Greg Abbott in demonstrating their commitment to border security in the Rio Grande Valley. Trump's visit comes as he seeks support for his potential 2024 presidential bid, with the event expected to focus on garnering backing from the Lone Star State's top Republican.

The Rio Grande Valley, known for its significant Hispanic population, has become a crucial battleground for Republicans as they invest increasing time, money, and resources into securing the Hispanic vote. Earlier in November, Trump held a rally in Houston, where his popularity soared compared to fellow Republican contenders for the White House nomination.

Scheduled for Sunday, the Governor's Office released a statement revealing that Trump and Abbott will meet with state authorities stationed in South Texas as part of Abbott's high-profile Operation Lone Star. This border security initiative, which has garnered attention for its multi-billion dollar budget, represents one of Abbott's signature projects.

During their visit to the region, Trump and Abbott will also spend time serving meals to Texas National Guard soldiers, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, and authorities stationed at the border as part of the Thanksgiving holiday celebrations. However, the event will not be open to the public, and the two leaders will deliver remarks to the press at an airport hangar.

Joining Abbott and Trump at the event will be other prominent state leaders, including Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, and National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd. Their presence further highlights the significance of the event and the commitment of Texas leadership to addressing border security concerns.

Pollster Jim Henson from the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin expressed his belief that Trump remains the dominant figure among state Republicans. Current polling data shows that, as of August, Trump's favorability rating among GOP voters in Texas stands at 79%. Throughout his presidency, the former president's approval rating among Texas Republicans reached its highest point at 86%, while its lowest point was in October 2016 at 60%.

Henson also noted that Trump's ongoing legal challenges have not significantly influenced the views of Republican voters. Despite some minor fluctuations, Trump's approval rating among Republicans remains high, reinforcing his position as a formidable force within the party.

As Trump and Abbott prepare to rally in the Rio Grande Valley, it becomes increasingly apparent that their shared focus on border security and their efforts to secure Republican support are central to their political ambitions. This event serves as yet another testament to Texas's role as a critical battleground in shaping the future of the Republican Party and potentially determining the direction of the 2024 presidential race.