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With the presidential election approaching, a University of Houston survey indicates that former President Donald Trump is leading Vice President Kamala Harris in Texas. The poll, conducted by the Hobby School of Public Affairs, shows Trump with 51% support among likely voters compared to Harris's 46%. These figures remain consistent with an earlier survey from August.
In the U.S. Senate race, Republican incumbent Ted Cruz is ahead of Democratic challenger Colin Allred with 50% to 46%. This marks a slight increase for Cruz since August when he led by two points.
"Trump has made significant inroads with Latino voters, nationally and in Texas," said Renée Cross from the Hobby School. "We found that 48% of Texas Latinos support Trump, while 47% plan to vote for Harris."
Harris maintains leads among women (51% to Trump's 46%), Black voters (84% to 14%), young voters (61% to 38%), and those with college degrees. However, Mark P. Jones from Rice University's Baker Institute noted that these margins are insufficient against Trump's stronghold among men and other traditional Republican bases.
Independent voters slightly favor Trump over Harris at 41% to 35%, with Cruz also leading Allred among independents at 48% to 42%.
The survey also reveals widespread dissatisfaction about the country's direction: "Almost two thirds of Texas voters, 62%, said they believe the United States is on the wrong track."
In other races, Christi Craddick leads Katherine Culbert in the Texas Railroad Commission contest. Key issues for voters include the economy (31%) and immigration (22%).
The survey highlights differing voting intentions between supporters: "72% of Harris voters plan to vote early or by mail," compared to "only 62% of Trump voters." The full report can be accessed on the Hobby School website.