New poll shows tight Texas races well beyond Senate, governor contests

Texas' U.S. Senate race gets most of the attention, but it isn't the only close contest on Texans' ballots this election cycle. A new Oct. 23 Texas Public Opinion Research (TPOR) poll found every statewide race, from governor to railroad commissioner, within a few points with early voting underway.

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What is the story about?

Texas' U.S. Senate race gets most of the attention, but it isn't the only close contest on Texans' ballots this election cycle.

A new Oct. 23 Texas Public Opinion Research (TPOR) poll found every statewide race, from governor to railroad commissioner, within a few points with early voting underway.

At the top of the ticket, the poll found Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton, 51% to 47%, in the U.S. Senate race, and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott tied with Democrat challenger Gina Hinojosa, 51% to 48%, in the governor's race.

Here’s where the other statewide races stand as early voting runs through Oct. 30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

Campaign yard signs for Texas Rep. Vikki Goodwin, Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor; state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Democratic candidate for governor; and state Sen. Nathan Johnson, Democratic candidate for attorney general, tied to a fence Saturday, July 18, 2026, in downtown Lubbock.

Texas Republicans, Democrats are in statistical ties in statewide races

The TPOR poll surveyed 969 likely Texas voters from Oct. 15-18 and has a 3.9-percentage-point margin

of error.

Here is a look at where other statewide offices stand as early voting is set to close on Oct. 30, with Election Day on Nov. 3:

Lieutenant Governor: Dan Patrick* (R) 50%, Vikki Goodwin (D) 47%
Attorney General: Mayes Middleton (R) 50%, Nathan Johnson (D) 48%
Comptroller: Don Huffines (R) 50%, Sarah Eckhardt (D) 48%
Agriculture Commissioner: Nate Sheets (R) 50%, Clayton Tucker (D) 48%
Land Commissioner: Dawn Buckingham* (R) 49%, Benjamin Flores (D) 48%
Railroad Commissioner: Bo French (R) 50%, Jon Rosenthal (D) 48%

* Incumbent.

The poll also ran a generic ballot for the state's U.S. House and Texas House races. Republicans lead by two points on both ballots, 51% to 49%.

Affordability remains Texas voters' top issue, with economy, jobs rank second

The TPOR poll asked how voters feel on various issues driving them to the poll. When asked to rank the top two issues elected officials should prioritize in 2026, 28% of voters chose affordability and cost of living as their first choice — down from 32% last month.

Economic growth and job creation ranked second at 13%, while Social Security and Medicare and immigration tied for third at 8% each.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas, based in Austin. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New poll shows tight Texas races well beyond Senate, governor contests