Recent polling indicates that Texas Senator Ted Cruz has a slim lead over Democratic contender Colin Allred, ranging from one to seven percentage points as they vie for re-election.
During their only debate on Tuesday, tensions were palpable as the two candidates discussed hot-button issues like abortion rights, transgender athletes in women’s sports, and the events surrounding the January 6 Capitol riots.
The Republican Party is aiming to strengthen its Senate presence in the upcoming November elections, particularly after missing out on a predicted ‘red wave’ during the 2022 midterms. Currently, Democrats hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, but the GOP is anticipated to flip a seat in West Virginia, which is currently held by retiring moderate Joe Manchin. Cruz’s seat in Texas is considered a prime target for Democrats looking to gain ground this election.
An ActiVote poll conducted from October 1 to 16 shows Cruz ahead by six points, with 53% of likely voters supporting him compared to 47% for Allred, keeping in mind a margin of error of 4.9%.
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In another poll by Morning Consult, which surveyed 2,048 likely Texas voters from October 6 to 15, Cruz held a narrow one-point edge, 46% to Allred’s 45%. Conversely, a prior Morning Consult poll from September showed Allred leading by one point.
Add to the mix a YouGov poll for the Texas Politics Project, where Cruz was seen leading by seven points, 51% to Allred’s 44%. This survey, conducted between October 2 and 10, had a margin of error of 2.97 points.
The University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs also reported a four-point Cruz advantage, showing 50% for Cruz and 46% for Allred, with a margin of error of 2.69 points, based on a survey done between September 26 and October 10.
Cruz’s lead was reaffirmed by a Marist College poll, which showed him at 51% versus Allred’s 46%, with a margin of error of 3.6%, conducted from October 3 to 7.
Despite the close race, Allred is significantly outpacing Cruz in fundraising, having raised $30.3 million in the third quarter compared to Cruz’s $21 million across various accounts. Cruz recently shared his concerns on Fox News, describing himself as being “viciously outspent” and urged supporters to contribute to his campaign.