According to a new poll released by Quinnipiac University on December 8, 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott holds a sizable lead over his Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke.
Jeremy Wallace of the Houston Chronicle wrote that a significant problem for O’Rourke, as revealed by the poll, is 54% of respondents said the former El Paso congressman “is too liberal” for Texas’ electorate.
In addition, the poll demonstrated that Abbott’s approval rating has bounced back since Quinnipiac polled the state over the summer.
The Quinnipiac poll showed that 53% of Texans approve of Abbott’s performance as governor, which represents an increase from 49% in June.
The poll was conducted from December 2 through December 6 and had a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points.
On key issues such as the economy, gun policy, and the border, the poll showed that Texans rate Abbott higher than O’Rourke.
As far as economy and gun policy are concerned, 60% of respondents are confident that Abbott would do a better job than the former Democratic congressman.
Regarding border policy, 58% of respondents believe Abbott is better equipped to handle the issue.
This is the third consecutive public poll to show Abbott with a comfortable lead over O’Rourke.
A Dallas Morning News and University of Tyler poll published in November showed Abbott beating O’Rourke 45% to 39%. Similarly, a University of Texas and Texas Tribune poll showed Abbott leading the former Congressman 46% to 37%.
President Joe Biden’s faltering approval rating in Texas may be part of why the polls show that most Texans do not want a Democratic governor.
Only 32% of Texans approve of the Biden administration’s performance.
Though 80% of Democrats approve of Biden, only 30% of independent voters and 4% of Republicans reported approving of the incumbent president’s execution in office.
As reported by The Dallas Express, these figures align with trends pointing to strong Republican performances in the 2022 midterms.
As the Biden administration’s approval numbers plummet, Republicans hope to retake the U.S. House and Senate with solid majorities.
In Texas, Republicans are projected to maintain power in all branches of government as Democrats’ political image diminishes in the 2022 election cycle.
