Updated October 26, 2026, 11:43 a.m. ET
- A new poll shows every statewide race in Texas within a few percentage points.
- In the race for governor, Republican Greg Abbott is statistically tied with Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
- Democrat James Talarico holds a slight lead over Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race.
- Affordability and cost of living remain the top issue for Texas voters heading into the election.
The U.S. Senate race in Texas is getting the most attention, but it’s not the only close race on Texans’ ballots this election cycle.
New research on Texas public opinion on October 23h (TPOR) found that every statewide race, from governor to railroad commissioner, was within a few points, with early voting underway.
At the top of the field, the poll finds Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton, 51% to 47%, in the U.S. Senate race, and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott tied with Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, 51% to 48%, in the governor’s race.
Here’s where other statewide races stand as early voting runs through Oct. 30 and Election Day is Nov. 3.
Texas Republicans and Democrats are statistically tied in statewide races
The TPOR poll surveyed 969 likely Texas voters from Oct. 15-18 and has a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points.
Here’s a look at how other offices across the state are faring as early voting is set to end Oct. 30 and Election Day Nov. 3:
- Lieutenant Governor: Dan Patrick* (right) 50%, Vikki Goodwin (right) 47%
- Attorney General: Mayes Middleton (right) 50%, Nathan Johnson (right) 48%
- Controller: Don Huffines (right) 50%, Sarah Eckhardt (right) 48%
- Commissioner of Agriculture: Nate Sheets (right) 50%, Clayton Tucker (right) 48%
- Land Commissioner: Dawn Buckingham* (R) 49%, Benjamin Flores (D) 48%
- Railway Commissioner: Bo French (D) 50%, Jon Rosenthal (D) 48%
*Holder.
The poll also conducted wildcard voting for the state’s U.S. House and Texas House elections. The Republicans lead by two points in both elections, 51% to 49%.
Affordability remains the top issue for Texas voters, with the economy and jobs coming in second.
The TPOR poll asked what voters think about various issues that drove them to the polls. 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 top choice, up from 32% last month.
Economic growth and job creation come in second at 13 percent, while Social Security, Medicare and immigration come in third at 8 percent each.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional Texas newspapers, based in Austin. Do you have a tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
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