AT A GLANCE
- A new University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows Colin Allred as most favorable and best-known Democrat running for U.S. Senate in Texas.
- Former Congressman Colin Allred is viewed favorably by 59% of Texas Democrats, and unfavorably by 10%.
- State Rep. James Talrico is viewed favorably by 43% of Texas Democrats and unfavorably by 5%.
- 43% of Texas voters say their financial situation has worsened in the past year.
- A majority of Texans are “very concerned” about food, housing, and healthcare costs.
Allred Dominates Democratic Field in Early Senate UT Poll
A new University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll confirms what Texas Democrats already suspected: Colin Allred is the strongest contender in the race to challenge Sen. John Cornyn next fall.
The poll, conducted October 10–20 by YouGov, shows that 59% of Texas Democrats view Allred favorably, while just 10% hold an unfavorable opinion—the best numbers of any Democrat in the race. The former congressman’s broad name recognition and track record of flipping a longtime Republican seat continue to cement his standing as the most electable Democrat in the state.
“Allred’s favorability among Texas Democrats demonstrates exactly why he’s the strongest candidate to take on Cornyn or Paxton — he’s well-liked, well-known, and trusted to deliver real results,” said campaign communications director Dan Gottlieb.
Allred’s campaign has leaned heavily into the message of affordability, offering plans to lower costs, strengthen families, and challenge corporate price-gouging while expanding access to healthcare and housing.
The same poll shows widespread frustration with the state of the economy. 43% of Texans say their family’s financial situation is worse than it was a year ago, and more than a quarter cite inflation, jobs, or the economy as their top national concern.
Two-thirds of voters report being “very concerned” about the price of food, housing, and healthcare, signaling that affordability will be a defining issue in 2026.
Meanwhile, public approval of both major parties remains underwater amid the ongoing government shutdown. Roughly half of Texans disapprove of how Donald Trump, Congressional Republicans, and Democrats are handling the standoff.
On the Republican side, Sen. John Cornyn faces mounting skepticism from Texas voters. Only 24% view him favorably, while 46% hold an unfavorable view. Even within his own party, his support is soft: 43% favorable compared to 24% unfavorable.
His primary challenger, Attorney General Ken Paxton, fares little better. He’s viewed favorably by 28% of voters overall and unfavorably by 44%, though he retains majority support among Republicans (55% favorable).
The UT/Texas Politics Project poll paints a picture of a restless electorate. Only 35% of Texans think the country is on the right track, and just 36% say the same for Texas.
In a state where voters are increasingly motivated by pocketbook issues, Allred’s focus on affordability may resonate most strongly especially as Cornyn and Paxton’s favorability continues to slide under the weight of national and state-level discontent.
