New polling from the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project and Marist Research shows Democratic contenders edging ahead in several high‑profile Texas races as the midterm election approaches.
Statewide races tighten
The UT/Texas Politics Project surveyed 1,200 registered voters and found state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, leading Attorney General Ken Paxton 50% to 47%. Talarico also leads among Latino voters, women, and urban and suburban residents, while Paxton holds a lead with men and rural voters.
Governor Greg Abbott’s re‑election bid faces a close challenge from Austin‑area Democratic Rep. Gina Hinojosa, who leads the incumbent by one point. Hinojosa’s strongest support comes from Latino voters, women, and urban areas, though she trails in the suburbs, rural regions, and among men.
Democratic Rep. Vikki Goodwin leads four‑term incumbent Dan Patrick for lieutenant governor, 49% to 46%. Other statewide contests are separated by a single point: Democrat Nathan Johnson leads Republican Mays Middleton for attorney general; Republican Don Huffines leads Democrat Sarah Eckhardt for comptroller; and Democrat Jon Rosenthal leads Republican Bo French for railroad commissioner.
Generic ballot preferences
Both polls show the generic Republican candidate for Congress and the Texas Legislature still ahead of the generic Democratic candidate among registered voters.
Voter enthusiasm
The UT/Texas Politics Project attributes the tight margins to higher Democratic voter enthusiasm, with 72% of Democrats saying they are “extremely” or “very enthusiastic” about voting—10 points higher than Republican respondents.
Trump approval declines
Both surveys note a decline in President Donald Trump’s approval in Texas. The Marist poll reports 54% of likely voters disapprove of Trump, while the UT/Texas Politics Project shows a third consecutive poll in which Texas voters disapproved of his performance.
What the numbers mean for voters
With margins this narrow, the upcoming midterm elections in Texas remain highly competitive. Voters should stay informed about each candidate’s platform and consider the enthusiasm gap that could influence turnout on Election Day.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
