Former President Barack Obama met with two Texas Democratic candidates in Austin on Tuesday, offering support for their respective campaigns in the conservative state.

Obama met with state Rep. James Talarico, who is running for U.S. Senate, and state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Texas governor. The meeting took place at a taco shop in Austin, according to reports.

Talarico's Senate campaign is viewed by Democrats as one of their better opportunities to compete in Texas, a state that has remained reliably Republican in recent federal elections. The state representative is seeking to challenge for the U.S. Senate seat.

Hinojosa, meanwhile, is pursuing the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in a state where Republicans have held the governor's mansion for decades. Both candidates are attempting to build momentum in what are expected to be challenging races in the Republican-leaning state.

Obama's visit represents a notable show of support from the former president for down-ballot Democratic candidates in Texas, as the party continues efforts to make inroads in the state's changing political landscape.