Texas Statewide Elections Enter Dead Heat Ahead of Early Voting

Recent polling indicates that several statewide races in Texas are in a dead heat as the state prepares for the November 3 midterm elections. A survey of 861 likely voters conducted by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin shows Democrats leading in three key contests: James Talarico leads Republican Ken Paxton 50% to 47% for U.S. Senate, Gina Hinojosa leads Greg Abbott 49% to 48% for governor, and Vikki Goodwin leads Dan Patrick 49% to 46% for lieutenant governor.

These margins are significant because no Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994. Beyond these races, voters will decide on positions for attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, railroad commissioner, and agriculture commissioner. In Harris County, Letitia Plummer and Orlando Sanchez are competing to succeed County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who announced she would not seek reelection.

Early voting is scheduled to run from October 19 through October 30. The voter registration deadline passed on October 5. To cast a ballot, residents must present an approved photo ID, such as a U.S. passport or Texas Driver's License, though those without one may use a Reasonable Impediment Declaration with supporting documentation. Mail-in ballots are restricted to eligible groups, including the disabled, those aged 65 or older, or voters who will be outside their home county during the election.