Co-authored by political science fellow Mark P. Jones, the first of five reports on changing public opinion in Texas from the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston and the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University examines preferences among Texans for the candidates running for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general in 2022.
Beto O’Rourke’s ability to bounce back from an illness that's caused him to pause his campaign tour will determine to what extent, if any, the postponement of in-person events may damage his race for Texas governor, said fellow Mark P. Jones. “If it becomes more serious, that he’s unable to maintain such a vigorous pace, it would begin to have a negative impact on his attempt to close the gap with Abbott.”
"It isn't a massive lead, but it's one that O’Rourke ... has been unable to reduce in any notable way,” said fellow Mark Jones of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's current lead over Democratic rival Beto O'Rourke. But "all hope is not lost for Democrats."