AUSTIN (KXAN) — A portion of the latest University of Texas/Texas Politics Project Poll focused on potential 2024 presidential candidates, as well as how much support each has in Texas.
According to the poll, Donald Trump remained popular among Texas Republicans.
“From among a list of six Republicans currently declared or expected to run for the GOP nomination, Donald Trump received favorable views from 78% of Texas Republicans, with only 16% holding an unfavorable view,” the poll said.
According to the Texas Politics Project, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has a strong position to take on the former president.
“73% of Texas Republicans hold a favorable view of DeSantis, compared to only 10% with an unfavorable view,” the poll said.
Data from the poll showed two other potential candidates received largely positive reviews.
“South Carolina Senator Tim Scott was viewed favorably by 46% of Republicans and unfavorably by only 6%, while former South Caroline Governor and U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley was viewed favorably by 46% of Republicans and unfavorably by 17%,” the poll said.
According to the poll’s data, Former Vice President Mike Pence received some of the most negative views among the candidates and potential candidates tested.
The poll said 41% of Texas Republicans held a favorable view of the former Indiana Governor, but a surprisingly large share, 36%, held an unfavorable view.
As for the views of Texas political leaders, the poll’s data showed:
- Gov. Greg Abbott: 46% approve of the job Abbott is doing, while 41% disapprove
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Job approval of 42% of Texas voters, with 36% disapproving of his job performance
- Speaker of the House Dade Phelan: Nearly equal shares of Texans approving (26%) and disapproving (24%) of his job performance
- Attorney General Ken Paxton: 39% approving of his job performance (including 65% of Republicans) and 35% disapproving (including 62% of Democrats)
- Texas Sen. Ted Cruz: 45% approve of his job performance and 41% disapprove
- Texas Sen. John Cornyn: 33% approve and 38% disapprove