Democrats Within Striking Distance of Defeating GOP to Flip Texas—New Poll
Democrats see an opening in Texas as new polls show narrow margins in the state's governor and Senate races.
A new poll suggests Democrats are within striking distance of flipping Texas' long-held Republican stronghold, with a dead heat in the Senate race and a close gubernatorial contest. Texas has been a Republican stronghold since 1980, with Democrats failing to win a statewide office since 1994. The gubernatorial race between Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat Gina Hinojosa is currently a tight race, with 49% to 45% support, respectively.
The Senate race between incumbent Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico is also close, with 47% to 46% support, respectively. The poll suggests that younger voters under 50 favor Talarico by 15 points, while those over 50 back Paxton by 11 points. Hispanic voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, largely support the Democratic candidates, with 58% disapproving of President Trump and 57% disapproving of Governor Abbott.
Republicans hold a narrow Senate majority, making the Texas seat a potential pickup opportunity for Democrats. However, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University warns that no Democrat has won a statewide race in Texas in over 30 years, making a victory by Talarico or Hinojosa a challenge.
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