A recent Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey indicates a competitive U.S. Senate race in Texas, with Republican Ken Paxton receiving 47% support and Democrat James Talarico at 46%. Five percent of respondents are undecided, and 2% support another candidate. The survey highlights a generational divide, with voters under 50 favoring Talarico by 15 points, while those over 50 support Paxton by 11 points.
In the gubernatorial race, Republican Greg Abbott leads with 49% compared to Democrat Gina Hinojosa's 45%, with 4% undecided. Abbott's job approval rating stands at 46%, with 49% disapproving. President Donald Trump's approval rating is similarly divided, with 47% approval and 48% disapproval. Notably, a majority of Hispanic voters express dissatisfaction with both Abbott and Trump, with 58% disapproving of Trump and 57% disapproving of Abbott.
The poll also reveals that 43% of voters believe Texas is on the right track, while 48% think it is headed in the wrong direction. Key issues for voters include the economy (30%), immigration (19%), threats to democracy (14%), and healthcare (13%). A significant majority, 60%, oppose the construction of data centers in their communities. Additionally, 71% of voters feel that state legislators prioritize their financial interests over the public's, with similar sentiments expressed across party lines.
The survey was conducted from August 9-10, 2026, with a sample size of 1,000 likely voters and a credibility interval of +/- 3 percent.