Texans Express Economic Doubts as Leaders Face Low Approval Ratings
A recent poll conducted by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas reveals significant skepticism among Texans regarding the state of their economy and the performance of their political leaders. The survey indicates that nearly half of the respondents feel the economy has worsened over the past year, reflecting a growing sense of unease among the populace.
The poll, carried out from October 10 to 12, found that 46% of Texans believe the economy is in a worse state compared to a year ago, while only 26% think it has improved. According to Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, the results highlight a “very anxious, pretty negative mood” among voters. This sentiment is echoed in responses regarding personal economic circumstances, with 43% stating they are worse off than a year prior, while 21% reported feeling better.
Concerns about rising costs are paramount, with 90% of participants identifying food and consumer goods prices as a major issue. Healthcare costs follow closely behind, noted by 88% of respondents. When asked about the most pressing issue facing Texas, 18% pointed to political corruption and leadership, while 14% cited inflation and rising prices, and 9% mentioned immigration.
The poll’s findings provide insight into the approval ratings of Texas political figures. Only 39% of respondents approved of Governor Greg Abbott’s performance, with 50% expressing disapproval. Dan Patrick, the Lieutenant Governor, received an even lower approval rating of 29%. On the federal level, Senator John Cornyn garnered a mere 25% approval rating, while Senator Ted Cruz scored slightly better at 35%.
Henson noted that the stagnation or decline in approval ratings for Texas leaders reflects not only the general political environment but also the challenges faced during a demanding legislative session. The poll also assessed favorability ratings for candidates in the upcoming U.S. Senate primary elections. Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General challenging Cornyn, received a 28% favorable rating, compared to 24% for Cornyn.
In the Democratic race, former Congressman Colin Allred and State Representative James Talarico have maintained steady recognition, with 32% of respondents holding a favorable view of Allred, while 22% felt positively about Talarico. Interestingly, public awareness of Terry Virts, a former astronaut also vying for the Democratic nomination, remains low, with 67% of those surveyed expressing no opinion on his candidacy.
The poll’s results also highlight the potential emergence of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett as a strong candidate. Her favorability among Democrats stands at 62%, surpassing both Allred and Talarico. Overall, her favorability among the general voting population is slightly negative, with 30% favorable and 32% unfavorable ratings. Henson emphasized that this trend could encourage Crockett to enter the race, stating that she must find the prospect tempting.
The Texas Politics Project surveyed 1,200 registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.83%.
In related political news, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has suspended new certifications for the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, which supports minority and female-owned businesses in state procurement. The decision comes amidst legal scrutiny and a review of the program’s administration, as noted by Kelly Hancock, the interim Comptroller. The suspension has raised concerns among advocates for minority business representation.
As Texans navigate these economic and political challenges, the results of the recent poll reflect a broader trend of discontent, signaling that leaders may need to address these issues head-on to restore public confidence.
