TEXAS — The latest poll from the Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler is a mixed bag. It shows Texans are unhappy with the direction of the state but continue to favor incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott over Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke.

What You Need To Know

  • The latest poll from the Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler shows Republican Gov. Greg Abbott leading Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke 46-39%

  • Those polled also indicated by 56% that they do not believe Texas is headed in the right direction

  • Most of those polled blame Congress and the Biden administration for inflation and the high current cost of living in Texas

  • They place the blame for high property taxes on Abbott and state lawmakers

According to the poll, which was released Sunday, Abbott comfortably leads the former Texas congressman 46-39%. Among Republicans, Abbott has 85% support. Among Democrats, O’Rourke is favored with 82% support.

Things get a little murkier when it comes to state issues and leadership. When asked if Texas is headed in the right direction, 56% of respondents showed they don’t think it is.

Most respondents, 48%, blame the Biden administration and Congress for inflation and the high cost of living in Texas right now, but a majority, 40%, hold Abbott and Texas legislators responsible for the state’s high property taxes.

Those polled indicated they approve of Abbott’s job performance by a slim margin.

When it comes to O’Rourke, 22% of respondents showed they have a very favorable impression of him, 20% marked somewhat favorable, 9% said unfavorable, 35% marked very unfavorable, and 9% indicated they don’t have enough information.  

Embattled Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is fighting off a challenge from George P. Bush in the May 24 primary runoff election. Those polled indicated that with 28% overall support they approve of the job he is doing, but most respondents do not believe he possesses the integrity to serve as attorney general.

When asked about changing current Texas voting laws, 38% said it is very important, 39% marked somewhat important, 21% said it’s not important and 2% of respondents indicated they don’t care.

An overwhelming number of respondents indicated they support the legalization of marijuana in Texas for medicinal use, but that support drops significantly for recreational use.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg of this wide-ranging poll. A total 1,232 registered Texas voters were polled May 2-10. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.