If being governor were an easy job, everyone would do it. Unfortunately, that job description becomes even more out of reach for a Democrat running in the traditionally red state of Texas.
Beto O’Rourke rode out his last campaign trail on the progressive wave that spread across the country in the previous election but “ultimately still lost by less than 3 percentage points,” said Politico.
Texas, unsurprisingly, still votes red. Polls for the upcoming mid-terms further prove this. Governor Greg Abbott currently leads O’Rourke +9.4, with voters polling 52.1% and 42.7%, respectively, as found by FiveThirtyEight.
Abbott has not always made the most popular or arguably correct decisions during his time in office. However, he has proven his competence in leading the state after his years as governor.
The Dallas Morning News sees Abbott as a reliable leader who has used his power to “encourage economic development, protect the rule of law, reduce taxation, invest in the future, and enhance public education.”
On the flip side, O’Rourke has spent many years campaigning for positions in office but has not given Texans enough substantial proof that he can lead well. Patrick Svitek said, “O’Rourke’s shine has dulled considerably after an unsuccessful presidential campaign,” during which he often took stances on issues that did not align with the traditional Texan views.
Hot topics in the midterm elections include the border, the economy, abortion, and gun violence. Each candidate has taken a stance on each issue, including Abbott’s signing of Texas’s “trigger law,” which came into effect this past August.
Patrick Svitek said voters trust “Abbott more on the border and economy and O’Rourke more on abortion” while being equally dived on gun violence.
Many Hispanic voters along the border, surprisingly, support Abbott. Latino voters have expressed concerns such as crime rates and increased living costs, which are “issues that appear to be playing better for Republicans this year,” said Edgar Sandoval and J. David Goodman.
Abbot has the experience, the policies, the fund-raising, and the support of the Texas people, as seen by his 9.4% lead in the most recent polls. It appears O’Rourke faces another unsuccessful campaign.
While he may not be the most loved or not have the best decisions, Abbott has made Texas stronger during his time in office. He has proved he can lead Texas and lead Texas well, and voters look like they will give Abbott another term.
Comentarii