Politics
Latest poll shows Talarico, Abbott ahead in races
New University of Texas polling shows Governor Greg Abbott leading his reelection bid while state Representative James Talarico gains ground in the Senate.
By Bethany Blankley · 2026-08-13T19:52:35.997Z
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 https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/blog/new ut texas politics project poll finds talarico leading paxton abbott leading hinojosa continued resistance to data centers 2 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. https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article 5e175925 bc41 467f a20c 4682c21a9422.html
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 https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article c3734c81 f6c5 4c4c 8935 d26b60f55405.html 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 https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article 1e7e2b76 face 4439 8698 cd4772ecb5e1.html 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. https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article e8c8326e 8457 4041 b491 4c9e38b22590.html
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%.
This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article 66ef3d7c d71a 498a 9dbc 11544cbb50b8.html .