Survey shows Democrats leading in key Harris County races

Harris County is leaning towards Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections for key countywide offices, according to a survey by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston. The election is scheduled for November 5, with early voting beginning on October 21.

The survey indicates that voters are focused on both national and local issues, including crime, housing affordability, flooding, rising property taxes, and concerns about electric service reliability.

Renée Cross from the Hobby School suggests Harris County has become a Democratic stronghold over the past decade. “Texas is still a red state, but Harris County, along with other urban areas, is a solidly Democratic outpost," she stated. Even among traditional Republican demographics like men and older voters, support appears to be shifting.

In the race for Harris County Sheriff, incumbent Democrat Ed Gonzalez holds a 16-point lead over Republican Mike Knox. In statewide politics, former President Donald Trump leads Vice President Kamala Harris among Texas voters; however, within Harris County itself, Harris has a 13-point lead over Trump.

Democrat Sean Teare leads in the District Attorney race against Republican Dan Simons. Annette Ramirez is ahead of Steve Radack in the tax assessor-collector race. Incumbent Christian Menefee also leads his opponent Jacqueline Lucci Smith in the county attorney's race.

Additionally, 51% of voters support Proposition A concerning flood control infrastructure funding through increased property taxes.

Mark P. Jones from Rice University notes that recent power outages have heightened voter concerns about electric service reliability. Other significant issues include rising property taxes and housing affordability.

The full report from this survey can be accessed on the Hobby School website. It was conducted between September 26 and October 10 with 491 respondents and a margin of error of +/-4.42%. Further reports will address election integrity and electricity infrastructure attitudes in Harris County.