Cook Political Report moves race to “lean Republican” in a race in which turnout will make the difference
AUSTIN – The Cook Political Report moved Texas’ Senate Race between U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and Sen. Ted Cruz from “solid Republican” to “lean Republican”, as recent polls show El Paso Congressman O’Rourke closing the gap ahead of November’s critical midterm elections.
“This report reflects what we’ve been seeing on the ground in Texas all year. There is enormous enthusiasm for change – both in this Senate seat and in key Congressional districts. Besides the Senate, there several U.S. House races and numerous state races in play where young Texans of color can make the difference.
Beto O’Rourke has visited each of Texas’ 254 counties and has generated interest at every stop. But the Texas’ GOP-led government has taken steps to make voting, and even registering to vote, more difficult. From voter ID laws to gerrymandering, they’ve tried to thwart voters, will full knowledge that the majority of the state does not back their agenda. Even when state law promotes voting, as in the requirement to register high school voters, the Secretary of State refuses to do his part to implement it, as shown in a report by the Texas Civil Rights Project.
Texas is not a red state. It is a non-voting state. And if voters show up, the state can and will change its leadership and move Texas forward. Texas is already a majority-minority state, and is the state with the second most immigrants and a growing Latino population. We must all use our resources to get out the vote despite the suppression efforts to ensure that Texas remains the welcoming place it’s long been known for. And, we look forward to working with our allies around the state to do that”
