A new University of Houston poll offers an early look at the 2026 Texas governor, attorney general and other statewide races.

HOUSTON — A new statewide survey of likely Texas voters offers an early snapshot of the 2026 primaries and general election — and shows several competitive races taking shape across the state.

The February 2026 survey was conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs between Jan. 20 and Jan. 31, 2026, and includes likely November 2026 general election voters as well as likely March 2026 Republican and Democratic primary voters.

Here’s what the poll found.


Governor’s race: Abbott holds early edge

Among likely November 2026 voters, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott leads Democrat Gina Hinojosa 49% to 42%, with Libertarian Pat Dixon at 3% and 6% undecided.

Abbott is viewed favorably by 51% of likely general election voters and unfavorably by 47% .

Hinojosa is viewed favorably by 35% and unfavorably by 20%, while 45% say they don’t know enough about her to have an opinion.

The survey included 1,502 likely November 2026 voters and has a margin of error of ±2.53%


Lieutenant governor: Patrick ahead by 5 points

In the race for Texas lieutenant governor, Republican Dan Patrick leads Democrat Vikki Goodwin 46% to 41%, with Libertarian Anthony Cristo at 4% and 9% undecided.

Patrick is viewed favorably by 41% and unfavorably by 43% of likely general election voters.

Goodwin is viewed favorably by 24%, unfavorably by 18%, with 58% saying they don’t know enough about her to have an opinion.


Republican attorney general primary: Roy leads

In the March 2026 Republican primary for Texas attorney general, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy leads with 33%, followed by Mayes Middleton at 23%, Joan Huffman at 13% and Aaron Reitz at 6%. Twenty-five percent remain undecided.

Among likely Republican primary voters, 72% say they know enough about Roy to have an opinion of him.

The Republican primary sample includes 550 likely voters and carries a margin of error of ±4.18%.


Republican comptroller primary: Huffines in front

Former state Sen. Don Huffines leads the Republican primary for Texas comptroller with 33%, followed by Christi Craddick at 21%, Kelly Hancock at 13% and Michael Berlanga at 4%. Twenty-nine percent are undecided.


Agriculture commissioner: Miller leads, many undecided

Incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller leads Nate Sheets 48% to 18% in the Republican primary, with 34% undecided.


Railroad commissioner: Wide-open field

The Republican primary for Texas railroad commissioner remains unsettled. Jim Wright (21%) and James “Jim” Matlock (20%) are virtually tied, while Katherine Culbert (8%), Bo French (6%) and Hawk Dunlap (4%) trail. Forty-one percent are undecided.


Democratic governor primary: Hinojosa ahead

In the Democratic primary for governor, Hinojosa leads with 37%. Chris Bell follows at 7%, Bobby Cole at 6% and Patricia Abrego at 5%. Thirty-two percent remain undecided.


Democratic attorney general primary: Tight race

In the Democratic primary for attorney general, Nathan Johnson leads with 25%, followed closely by Joe Jaworski at 22% and Anthony “Tony” Box at 13%. Forty percent of likely Democratic primary voters are undecided.

The Democratic primary sample includes 550 likely voters and carries a margin of error of ±4.18%.


How the survey was conducted

The Hobby School survey was conducted in English and Spanish from Jan. 20 to Jan. 31, 2026.

Researchers determined the likelihood of participation based on a combination of prospective intention and past participation in the 2022 and 2024 elections.

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