A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows Texas Sen. Ted Cruz opening a slight lead over Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke in recent days; easing GOP concerns over whether the former presidential hopeful can hang on to his seat.
Despite the popular Democrat closing the gap in recent months, Cruz now holds a 54% to 45% advantage over O’Rourke according to the new survey; opening a 9% advantage just weeks before Texans head to the voting booth.
#TedCruz Has 9-Point Likely Voter Lead in #TexasSenate Race, Poll Finds; #PresidentTrump Gets a Split 49 – 49 Percent Job Approval Score https://t.co/cTntZIGqlh
— Quinnipiac University Poll (@QuinnipiacPoll) September 18, 2018
“The Texas U.S. Senate race between Sen. Ted Cruz and Congressman Beto O’Rourke, and Democratic hopes for an upset win there, have boosted talk of a Senate takeover. These numbers may calm that talk,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. “Congressman O’Rourke may be drawing big crowds and media attention, but Texas likely voters like Sen. Cruz better.”
TROUBLE IN TEXAS: Democrat GAINS on Senator Cruz in TIGHT RACE
Shocking new polls show Democratic Senate hopeful Beto O’Rourke gaining on Senator Ted Cruz just months before Texans head to the polls; raising serious concerns inside the GOP about losing another pivotal Republican vote in Congress.
According to the Texas Tribune, O’Rourke trails the former presidential candidate by just 3%; falling behind Cruz 47% to 44% and proving the El Paso Democrat is far more competitive than previously thought.
The 3% difference falls within the surveys margin of error; making the race a statistical tie.
“Cruz’s favorability rating showed a polarized response: 46 percent of Texans have a favorable view of the senator while 44 percent have an unfavorable view,” writes the Tribune. “To be sure, no one poll should be taken as gospel on the state of any race.”
Read the full report here.
TRUMP TO TEXAS: The President Announces MASSIVE RALLY for Ted Cruz
President Trump announced his plan to host a massive campaign rally in Texas for Sen. Ted Cruz Friday; saying his liberal challenger would be a complete “disaster” on crime, gun control, and his proposed border wall.
The President unveiled his midterm stop on social media ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend; saying “I will be doing a major rally for Senator Ted Cruz in October. I’m picking the biggest stadium in Texas we can find. As you know, Ted has my complete and total Endorsement. His opponent is a disaster for Texas – weak on Second Amendment, Crime, Borders, Military, and Vets!”
I will be doing a major rally for Senator Ted Cruz in October. I’m picking the biggest stadium in Texas we can find. As you know, Ted has my complete and total Endorsement. His opponent is a disaster for Texas – weak on Second Amendment, Crime, Borders, Military, and Vets!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 31, 2018
The President’s announcement comes as recent polls show Cruz and Democrat Beto O’Rourke in a statistical dead-heat heading into the 2018 midterm elections.