Austin, TX
From the Archives: When US presidents and candidates for the top office visited Austin
On Nov. 5, if things go as expected, American voters will choose the next president of the United States.
Austin has been no stranger to presidents and presidential candidates holding big rallies in the city. Republican Former President Donald Trump, who is seeking a comeback to the White House, hosted an invitation-only mini rally on Sept. 25 at a private jet hangar in East Austin before recording an episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast in the comedian’s studio in the city. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ pick for the top of the ticket, skipped a stop in Austin for a big rally with Beyoncé in Houston on Oct. 25.
President Joe Biden delivered a speech on civil rights at the LBJ Presidential Library at the University of Texas in Austin in July. Trump inspected an Apple facility here in 2019. Over the course of several days, Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter attended a civil rights summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act at the LBJ Library in 2014. It was surely the largest assemblage of presidents ever to attend an event in Austin.
Obama visited Austin often during his eight years in office. His predecessor, Bush, lived in Austin for five years as Texas governor. On the night of Nov. 7, 2000, a big crowd gathered on Congress Avenue in chilly weather to cheer on candidate Bush, but they went home unfulfilled. The election was not decided for more than a month, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in his favor in the case Bush v. Gore.
President Lyndon Baines Johnson grew up 50 miles west of Austin in Johnson City. He represented the Austin area as a U.S. congressman before becoming a U.S. senator, vice president and president. The American-Statesman recently documented all his offices in the Austin area.
In February 2016, journalist Sarah Thurmond, in a nifty feat of research, summarized earlier visits from major presidential candidates and office-holders in Austin Monthly magazine. Here are some highlights
- Dec. 27, 1899: Two-time Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan came to Austin to visit Texas Gov. James Hogg, who offered a “wild panther hunt” as entertainment. Said panther was actually the pet of a saloonkeeper.
- May 3, 1901: President William McKinley became the first president to visit the Texas Governor’s Mansion, after a carriage ride along Congress Avenue.
- April 6, 1905: After a trip up a flag-festooned Congress Avenue, President Theodore Roosevelt spoke to a large crowd outside the Texas Capitol.
- June 11, 1936: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, during a 20-minute nighttime stop, pressed a button to light up fireworks during the groundbreaking for the Texas Memorial Museum, which was recently renovated in a grand manner.
- Sept. 27, 1948: President Harry S. Truman stumped before a big crowd at a downtown train station during his famous “Whistle-stop Campaign.”
- Feb. 18, 1959: President Dwight D. Eisenhower made a “rest stop” at Bergstrom Air Force Base on his way to visit Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos. Of course, LBJ, then the Senate majority leader, was there to greet him.
- Sept. 13, 1960: President John F. Kennedy campaigned through several Texas cities before speaking on the steps of the Capitol.
- May 22, 1971: President Richard M. Nixon spoke at the dedication of the LBJ Library. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson were present.
- July 25, 1984: President Ronald Reagan, campaigning in Austin for the second time, addressed a crowd assembled at what was then called Auditorium Shores, alongside Vice President, and future President, George H.W. Bush.
Perhaps the most famous presidential visit was one that never happened. Kennedy was scheduled to address a gala crowd at Municipal/Palmer Auditorium on Nov. 22, 1963. Earlier that day, he was assassinated in Dallas.
An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause explosive diarrhea, has been confirmed in Texas, prompting health officials to urge extra precautions when handling fresh produce.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 48 cases of cyclosporiasis across 10 Texas counties. State health officials say there have been no deaths linked to the outbreak so far.
There are no reported cases in Southeast Texas at this time, and Port Arthur officials say they have not received any reported cases from area hospitals or health care providers. Still, health officials say now is the time to take extra precautions.
Judith Smith, Port Arthur’s director of health services, said cyclosporiasis is caused by “a microscopic parasite that is usually found in contaminated food and contaminated water.”
Smith said contamination typically stems from floodwater or sewage water when produce is harvested, allowing parasites to transfer to produce long before it reaches consumers.
“I have not heard of an outbreak like this. It’s been a while. It might have been 2023, 2024, and so, you know, and of course, Texas is not immune,” Smith said.
Smith said foods that are eaten raw can pose a higher risk. “Those foods that are not cooked are the ones that really make you more at risk,” she said.
Health officials recommend washing raw produce, including lettuce, cilantro, raspberries and basil. They also recommend cleaning cutting boards, refrigerating fresh goods and throwing away any remaining produce after experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, fatigue, lack of appetite and a low-grade fever. “Those individuals that may have that watery diarrhea or really just more than two to three days should seek medical attention,” Smith said.
Testing can confirm the parasite, and early treatment can help prevent more serious complications, especially for children and elderly relatives. Health care experts recommend contacting a health care provider as soon as possible if persistent stomach cramps and other symptoms develop after eating fresh produce.
The Texas Longhorns are less than two months away from starting their regular season slate of the 2026 schedule.
Just like last season, the Longhorns have been given unrealistic expectations by some, but will look to avoid the slow start that had everyone counting them out in September. On paper, the Longhorns should be a lot better than they were last season.
A national championship run should be on the table for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his team. One of the reasons that is a possibility is due to the Longhorns have something in common with previous national championship winners.
Legacy Year
Last season, the college football world was enamored by the Indiana Hoosiers. A program that no one saw ever winning the national championship, was hoisting the trophy at the end of the season.
Now, the Hoosiers had a talented roster from top to bottom. But the play of starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the leading factor in this team reaching the mountaintop.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has the chance to make that same impression this season. After his first full season as the starting quarterback in Austin last year, there is a growing confidence that Manning is going to be on another level in 2026.
Last season, Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdown passes. If you were to compare those numbers to Mendoza’s last season, the Hoosiers quarterback threw for 3,535 yards and an impressive 41 touchdown passes.
Those numbers make it clear that Manning will have to elevate his performance this season. With a revamped offensive line, the Longhorns quarterback may have the time to rival the numbers of Mendoza from this past season.
But another key piece to the Longhorns’ 2026 roster is a massive wide receiver addition.
It’s going to take the whole village, and Coach Sarkisian went out and got one of the most talented wide receivers in the transfer portal with Cam Coleman.
Coleman had two solid years with the Auburn Tigers and now will look to be the deep field threat for Manning and the Longhorns. The junior receiver’s addition to the roster could take this offensive unit to being one of the top units in the country.
All championship teams have a quarterback who could lead them to victory. Manning could very well be the next elite quarterback to hold a national championship trophy.
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Join several Austin labor unions and community members to honor Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s life and the countless immigrants who have been impacted by ICE.
The community vigil will take place at the Wildflower Church on Saturday, July 11th starting at 6 PM. All are welcome to bring flowers and candles as we honor the loss of life and grieve the separation of families.
Community Vigil Details
🗓️ July 11, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
🗺️ 1314 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
🚗 Public transit and rideshare encouraged! Limited parking available and overflow parking may be available at Travis High School.
Please consider donating to the family’s GoFundMe if you are able: https://bit.ly/atx4lorenzo
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