The upcoming Senate race in Texas is becoming increasingly contentious, with concerns that Senator Ted Cruz could jeopardize the GOP’s chances of flipping the Senate. According to a memo from the Senate Leadership Fund obtained by Politico, internal polling indicates Cruz is leading Democratic challenger Colin Allred by only one percentage point, with Cruz at 48% and Allred gaining momentum through substantial TV ad spending.
Cruz’s lead has diminished from three points last month, raising alarms within the GOP. Notably, his support is trailing that of former President Donald Trump, who leads Vice President Kamala Harris by five points in Texas.
The memo emphasizes the urgency of the situation, highlighting the potential for outside Republican groups, including a dedicated super PAC for Cruz, to bridge the spending gap. It also mentions ongoing Federal Election Commission FEC complaints regarding Cruz’s financial dealings related to his podcast, which he claims to run as a volunteer but allegedly involved funneling funds to support his campaign.
While Republicans maintain optimism about flipping the Senate—citing positive polling for Tim Sheehy in Montana against incumbent Jon Tester—other races are proving to be challenging. The memo notes that candidates in several key swing states, including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Michigan, Maryland, and Arizona, are trailing their Democratic opponents.
Additionally, Nebraska has emerged as another point of concern, where Senator Deb Fischer is facing a tight race against Independent candidate Dan Osborn, prompting discussions about potential intervention to safeguard the seat.
As the election approaches, the dynamics in Texas and across the country will be closely monitored, with both parties ramping up efforts to secure pivotal Senate seats.