Both major presidential candidates made their way to Texas on the same day, just over a week before the election day. This is something Texas voters haven’t seen in a long time. Former President Donald Trump visited Austin, where he held a rally at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. He discussed his plans for dismantling current border policies if he wins the election. Vice President Kamala Harris also visited Houston, appearing on a podcast and holding a rally with an estimated crowd of 30,000.
The dueling visits from Trump and Harris come amidst new polling that shows Trump leading in Texas with 53% support, while Harris has 46%. The margin between the two candidates has grown from 5.3 points to 7.1 points. Texas is not traditionally a battleground state, but the changing demographics and population shifts have put it in play this election cycle.
Political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus from the University of Houston highlighted the changing political map, with Sun Belt states like Texas becoming crucial in deciding the election. Both campaigns hope to boost their turnout in Texas, with Democrats looking to increase their numbers, especially in areas like Harris County.
The article also touches on the U.S. Senate race in Texas, where incumbent Senator Ted Cruz is facing a tough challenge. Cruz and his opponent, Allred, are trying to appeal to voters from both sides of the aisle. Former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, a conservative Republican, has broken ranks to support Allred over Cruz, citing concerns about Cruz’s actions and character.
In South Texas, there are key congressional races that could impact the balance of power in Congress. The race for Texas Congressional District 34 is a closely watched rematch, while District 15 flipped to Republicans in 2022. These races highlight the importance of reaching across the aisle to attract voters.
The article also delves into the case of death row inmate Robert Roberson, whose execution was halted after lawmakers ordered him to testify at the state Capitol. The case has raised questions about outdated science and faulty evidence, with calls for a new trial based on new evidence.
State Senator Royce West is considering filing a bill to make hospitals safer following a deadly crash at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. The crash highlighted the need for crash-rated security barriers, called bollards, to prevent such incidents in the future. West is looking into creating a uniform statewide bollard standard to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure like hospitals.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the political landscape in Texas, highlighting key races, challenges, and issues that are shaping the state’s role in the upcoming election.