Latest poll shows Talarico, Abbott ahead in races

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(The Center Square) – The latest University of Texas/Texas Politics Project Poll shows Gov. Greg Abbott is still ahead in his reelection bid and Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to trail state Rep. James Talarico in the U.S. Senate race.  

A new University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows Abbott is leading Democratic challenger state Rep. Gina Hinojosa by five points, 45% to 40%. 

Other polls have the race closer, including statistically tied. It’s the closest race in Abbott’s political career, The Center Square reported.

The Texas Politics Project notes that in 2022, Abbott defeated his Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Robert (Beto) O’Rourke, by nearly 11 points, 54.8% to 43.9%. 

In the U.S. Senate race, its findings are consistent with other polls: Talarico is leading Paxton by three points, 42% to 39%.  

Talarico is also leading Paxton in every category about their character. A plurality of voters view Talarico as more honest and trustworthy (46% to 33%); more competent (49% to 42%); he cares more about voters (47% to 35%); is a stronger leader (47% to 42%), and is more knowledgeable (51% to 46%) than Paxton. 

The race is listed as a toss-up by Cook Political Report when it was previously a solidly Republican held seat by incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.  

The poll also shows Republican candidates are leading by single digits in the other major statewide races that historically have seen Republican blowouts. 

In the race for lieutenant governor, incumbent Republican Dan Patrick is leading his Democratic challenger state Rep. Vickie Goodwin 42% to 35%; 18% say they’re voting for someone else or they don’t know who they are voting for.

In the race for attorney general, state Sen. Mayes Middleton is leading state Sen. Nathan Johnson 40% to 35%; 22% say they support someone else or they don’t know who they are voting for. 

In the race for state comptroller, Republican Don Huffines leads Democrat state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt 40% to 34%; 23% say they don’t know who they are voting for.

The poll doesn’t address the races for Texas General Land Office or Agriculture Commissioner. In both races, Republicans are favored.

When it comes to Texas’ voters’ views about Trump policies, they continue to oppose his push for data center construction in Texas and cite inflation and high costs as their top concern. 

When voters were asked if they supported data centers built in their community, 57% said they oppose it. “These results are statistically indistinguishable from June polling” that showed 56% polled oppose local data center construction, the Texas Politics Project said. 

In response to public outrage and opposition to data center expansion, Abbott issued directives for data centers to follow. So far, dozens of companies have said they will comply with the directive. Meanwhile, roughly 1,800 projects are put on hold, The Center Square reported. 

The three most important issues facing Texas voters are inflation and higher prices (19%), political corruption (15%) and the economy and border security (10% each).

The poll was conducted between August 5 and 13 among 1,200 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/- 2.83%.