Castro says Texas Democrats poised to win as Trump loses favor
Rep. Joaquin Castro told MS NOW’s State of Play that the GOP’s unpopularity, especially Donald Trump’s, gives Democrats a realistic shot at Texas midterm races.
On a recent broadcast of MS NOW’s State of Play, Rep. Joaquin Castro claimed that the Democratic Party’s prospects in the upcoming Texas midterms are strong because President Donald Trump is currently unpopular in the state. Castro pointed to rising fuel and food costs and a wave of corruption, naming Attorney General Ken Paxton as a prime example. He said Trump’s perceived betrayals of farmers, ranchers, and the broader Texas electorate have eroded support.
Castro highlighted that these factors give candidates such as Gina Hinojos a viable chance to defeat Governor Greg Abbott, and that James Talarico’s contest with Paxton is now a genuine toss-up. Host Peter Alexander noted the historical difficulty Democrats have faced in Texas Senate races, prompting Castro to emphasize the shifting sentiment among voters.
Why it matters
The comments suggest a potential shift in Texas’s political landscape ahead of crucial midterm elections.
How this story developed
- Aug 17 Midterm outlook shifts as key Senate and governor contests turn competitive
- Aug 21 Donald Trump appeared at a Myrtle Beach rally backing Sen. Darline Graham, prompting Republican operatives in swing states to question his allocation of support.
- Aug 21 Trump made an in‑person appearance to endorse Graham ahead of the runoff.
- Aug 22 Trump held a rally in Myrtle Beach urging voters to support Graham ahead of the runoff.
- Aug 22 Former Republican David Jolly secured the Democratic nomination for governor.
- Aug 22 The Cook Political Report updated its ratings for the Texas and Iowa Senate contests.
- Aug 24 A runoff election has been scheduled for Tuesday.
- Aug 24 Early voting for the runoff recorded 63,712 ballots, slightly ahead of the 61,775 cast in the primary.
- Aug 25 Tuesday runoff election was held to select the GOP nominee.
- Aug 25 University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows Democrat James Talarico ahead of Republican Ken Paxton.
- Aug 26 Darline Graham secured a full term in the South Carolina Republican Senate primary runoff, underscoring Donald Trump’s continuing influence in the state’s party politics.
- Aug 26 Trump held a rally in Myrtle Beach and praised Graham’s late brother Lindsey Graham.
- Aug 27 Democratic nominee Annie Andrews released her first campaign advertisement.
- Aug 27 Trump arrived in Texas for a fundraising event supporting the Republican candidate.
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