AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Rallying conservatives to "win like never before", former president Donald Trump took the stage at the Austin Convention Center Saturday night, capping off the Central Texas stop of the American Freedom Tour.
An estimated crowd of about 8,000 people attended the ticketed event, which began shortly after 8 a.m. and ended around 6:30 p.m., after a nearly hour-long series of remarks from Trump.
"I ask you to get ready to work, get ready to fight, get ready to win — and win like never before," said Trump in his closing remarks. "Together, we will take back the House, we will take the Senate, and we will take back our country. And then - most importantly in 2024 - we are going to take back our beautiful, beautiful, beautiful White House."
In addition to Trump, the afternoon featured remarks from former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Donald Trump, Jr., musician Ted Nugent, and presidential advisor Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Saturday's event came just hours ahead of the start of early voting in the May 24 primary runoff elections, which gets underway Monday morning. Trump used his speech to highlight several of his endorsements across the state, including embattled incumbent attorney general Ken Paxton.
"He’s got a big election — get out there and vote," said Trump, highlighting Paxton who was in the audience. "I hear you’re doing well, but let’s bring home the bacon. Bring it home."
Trump has also thrown his support behind former state Sen. Pete Flores in his campaign to re-enter the Legislature, State Sen. Dawn Buckingham in her effort to become Texas Land Commissioner, and U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-Round Rock).
Trump spent most of his remarks highlighting his presidency and ongoing national issues under the Biden administration, as he continues to flirt with a potential presidential run in 2024.
"Our country in many ways is being destroyed," said Trump. "The Biden disasters are too numerous to count, but inflation is the highest in nearly 50 years. Gas prices have reached the highest price ever in the history of our country, destroying families."
Abortion rights activists and supporters march outside of the Austin Convention Center where the American Freedom Tour with former President Donald Trump is being held on May 14, 2022 in Austin, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Demonstrators could be seen outside the convention center, many of whom came from the nearby "Bans Off Our Bodies" abortion rights rally at the Texas Capitol.
The next stop for the American Freedom Tour is scheduled to be in Memphis on June 18.
