Rep. Jasmine Crockett is most likely to defeat the Republican in the Texas Senate race in the general election, according to a new poll.
Crockett, a Dallas Democrat, defeated Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the general election showdown for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn, according to a Hart Research poll. Paxton is currently on the ballot ahead of Cornyn, but the Republican primary is likely headed for a runoff.
“I have been working and fighting for the Texans since before I entered this race,” Crockett said in a news release. “Voters know my leadership and trust me to fight for them. Texas voters are smarter than D.C. gives them credit for. Texans can cut through the noise and not be swayed by pundits and podcasters.”
Crockett is currently in a close primary race against Texas Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin), an Austin Democrat who recently appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and significantly increased his name recognition and campaign funds.
The poll also confronted voters with the negative ads they would likely see if Crockett won the primary, but those polled were unfazed by the attacks.
“I’m on par with Latino voters and young people, independents support me by double-digit margins, and I’m the candidate supported by working-class voters,” she said. “We need this person to rebuild our victorious democratic coalition.”
On the Republican side, Mr. Paxton is looking to use support from Turning Point Action, an organization founded by Charlie Kirk (a PAC of Turning Point USA), to strengthen his lead over Mr. Cornyn.
A new ad from Paxton’s campaign features Kirk, who was assassinated last year, praising him as an “American patriot” and “an amazing lawyer who loves the Constitution” and is “doing a great job.”
“Charlie Kirk is an inspiration to millions of people around the world. I am blessed to know him and call him a friend,” Paxton said in a news release. “Right now, we are in a civilized battle to save America and our future, and there must be conservative warriors willing to go to war against the radical left. I am honored to be the endorsed leader of Turning Point Action Fight for Texas in the Senate. I will continue to work tirelessly to protect the freedoms of future generations.”
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
