Talarico widens lead over Paxton in US Senate race: Poll

Texas voters also give low marks to President Donald Trump's handling of most of the nation's affairs.AUSTIN, Texas (CN) — In the race for who will be the next U.S. Senator for the state of Texas, new polling data released Tuesday puts Democrat State Representative James Talarico ahead of Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.The University of Texas/Texas Politics Project surveyed 1,200 registered voters in the Lone Star State between Aug. 5-13 to get a snapshot of how Texans may vote in November, as well as their thoughts on the economy and data centers.Since Paxton formally became the Republicans’ nominee in May, after handily defeating incumbent Senator John Cornyn in a head-to-head matchup, Talarico has found himself ahead in the polls and on prediction markets. Tuesday’s survey continues that trend, finding in a trial ballot that 42% of voters preferred Talarico while 39% broke for Paxton. This is unwelcome news for Paxton who, in a June poll by the Texas Politics Project, was leading Talarico by one percentage point.The outcome of this race is closely watched as Democrats seek control of the U.S. Senate. It could also end Democrats’ losing streak in the Lone Star State, where a Democrat was last elected to the Senate in 1988. Talarico, a former public school teacher turned state representative, is running on a platform of lowering costs and taking on corruption, while Paxton has portrayed himself as a MAGA warrior fighting to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda.Breaking the trial ballot down by party revealed that Talarico enjoys stronger support from Democrats (91%) than Paxton does from Republicans (79%) at this point in the race. Paxton also struggles with independents, garnering 11% of the voting bloc’s support to 37% for Talarico. Throughout much of his campaign, Talarico has touted having the support of many Republicans, a claim that may bear some truth with 5% of Republicans pledging their support for the state lawmaker. Conversely, no Democrats surveyed said they planned to vote for Paxton.Meanwhile, Republican Governor Greg Abbott is running for a fourth term against Democrat State Representative Gina Hinojosa. Despite Talarico’s polling numbers, Hinojosa trails Abbott by five points, 40 to 45%.According to the poll, Abbott performs better with Republicans than Paxton, with 86% of them preferring him in the trial ballot. Hinojosa is supported by 89% of Democrats and leads Abbott among independents 37% to 17%. Of the 10% of voters who do not have an opinion on the race, 38% are independents.The survey also delved into Texans’ thoughts on key issues ahead of the election, with 19% putting Inflation and higher prices as the most important issue facing the state. Political corruption and leadership followed at 15% and the economy and immigration trailed at 10%.Another hotly debated issue on the minds of Texans is the boom in data center projects coming to the state. In June, 56% of voters either somewhat or strongly opposed the construction of a data center in their community — a figure that rose to 57% in the August poll. While Republicans are split 45% in support of data center construction in their community to 43% who oppose, Democrats and independents oppose them by wide margins (75% and 54%, respectively).Voters also gave a withering assessment of President Donald Trump’s second term so far, with disapproval (51%) outpacing approval (43%). Trump receives net-positive ratings for his handling of border security and immigration, but voters give the president low marks on issues relating to government ethics, the war in Iran, healthcare, government spending, the economy and inflation/prices.The Texas Politics Project is expected to release a poll in October providing a final snapshot of voters’ attitudes before Election Day on Nov. 3.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads