AUSTIN, Texas — A new statewide poll suggests the Texas governor's race is tightening, with Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa closing the gap against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott less than four months before Election Day.
The Texas Public Opinion Research poll, released Tuesday, found Abbott leading Hinojosa 45% to 42% among likely Texas voters. The survey of 1,048 likely voters was conducted July 15-17 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.
The results mark a narrower margin than several recent statewide polls. A June poll by The New York Times showed Abbott ahead by seven percentage points, 51% to 44%, while a June University of Texas/Texas Politics Project survey also gave the Republican incumbent a seven-point advantage, 47% to 40%.
The latest poll found 10% of likely voters remain undecided.
The survey also highlighted demographic differences between the candidates' support. Hinojosa leads among independent, moderate, Black and Latino voters, while Abbott maintained an advantage among white voters and college-educated voters.
In a statement following the poll's release, Hinojosa said the results show Texans are looking for change and pointed to education and affordability as key issues in her campaign.
Abbott, who is seeking another term, has not publicly responded to the latest survey.
The governor's race is expected to be one of the state's highest-profile contests this fall as Democrats seek to make gains in a state Republicans have controlled statewide for decades.