According to a fresh Marist Poll, Republican Senator Ted Cruz is leading Democratic challenger Colin Allred by five points as they gear up for the November elections. The survey, which included 1,186 likely voters in Texas, shows Cruz at 51 percent compared to Allred’s 46 percent. Interestingly, Allred does hold the upper hand with independent voters, garnering 51 percent support against Cruz’s 43 percent. The poll was conducted from October 3 to 7 and carries a margin of error of 3.6 points.
These findings are more favorable for Cruz compared to recent polling from Florida Atlantic University and RMG Research, which indicated he was only three points ahead. Cruz recently remarked to Fox News that Democrats are intensifying their efforts against him, emphasizing the stakes by stating that losing Texas could lead to a broader national shift.
In broader electoral news, Donald Trump is enjoying an eight-point advantage over Kamala Harris, capturing 53 percent to her 46 percent. Retaining Cruz’s seat is essential for the Republican Party as they aim to reclaim a Senate majority, currently held by Democrats who have 51 seats to 49 for Republicans.
While the GOP is poised to gain the West Virginia seat vacated by retiring Joe Manchin—a Democrat who caucuses with them—Democrats are heavily targeting Cruz’s and Senator Rick Scott’s seats with a notable investment in advertising. This political landscape is shifting, as indicated by contrasting polling results. An Atlantic University survey conducted from October 2 to 6 showed a much tighter race, with Cruz leading by just three points at 46 percent to Allred’s 43 percent.
Political scientist Kevin Wagner commented that these results underscore Texas’s competitiveness in national elections, particularly noting the significant gender and education disparities that could influence the outcome. Meanwhile, an RMG Research poll from late September offered a similar snapshot, showing Cruz ahead by three points.
On the campaign trail, Allred is making strategic moves, having recently announced ‘Republicans for Allred,’ a coalition to be led by former Republican state Representative Jason Villalba and ex-Congressman Adam Kinzinger.