Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico continues to lead in polls ahead of the November General Election.
Talarico is riding a wave of positive polling in recent weeks as he mounts a U.S. Senate campaign against Republican Ken Paxton. The two will meet in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The latest poll from the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center at Texas Southern University showed Talarico leading Paxton by two percentage points, 47% to 45%, with 2% of respondents backing Libertarian Ted Brown and 6% still undecided. The poll, conducted between July 27 and July 30, surveyed 1,200 Texans likely to vote in November.
Talarico is viewed favorably by 46% of likely voters and unfavorably by 47%, while Paxton is viewed favorably by 39%
of likely voters and unfavorably by 57%.
Demographically, Paxton is polling better among White voters, 53% to 39%, while Talarico polls better among Latino voters, 57% to 38%, and Black voters, 79% to 12%. Talarico also polls better among women, 55% to 38%, while Paxton performs better among men, 53% to 39%.
Where age is concerned, Talarico fares better among younger voters, nabbing support from 55% of voters between 35 and 54 and 59% among voters under 35, while Paxton polls better among voters 55 and older, 56% to 38%.
Nearly all Paxton voters, 96%, said they are backing incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott in the gubernatorial contest, while 0% said they were backing Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa. On the other hand, 90% of Talarico voters said they would cast a ballot for Hinojosa and 4% said they would vote for Abbott.
Conversely, 89% of Abbott voters are backing Paxton and 3% are voting for Talarico, while 98% of Hinojosa supporters plan to vote for Talarico and 0% plan to back Paxton.
The poll also found that President Donald Trump is viewed favorably by 44% of likely voters and unfavorably by 55%.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: New poll shows Talarico expanding lead in Texas US Senate race
