{
  "id": 791679,
  "title": "Democrats Within Striking Distance of Defeating GOP to Flip Texas—New Poll",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/democrats-within-striking-distance-of-defeating-gop-to-flip-texas-new",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T18:07:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/democrats-within-striking-distance-of-defeating-gop-to-flip-texas-new-poll-12319660"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Democrats see an opening in Texas as new polls show narrow margins in the state's governor and Senate races.",
  "key_points": [
    "Democrats within striking distance of flipping Texas Senate and gubernatorial races",
    "Republican Greg Abbott leads Gina Hinojosa 49% to 45% in gubernatorial race",
    "Democrat James Talarico leads Ken Paxton 47% to 46% in Senate race"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}