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Texas Governor Abbott's Approval Rating Declines in New Poll

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 6:35 GMT by Austin American-Statesman
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

Austin, Texas - January 31st, 2026 - A recently released poll is painting a potentially precarious picture for Texas Governor Greg Abbott as he seeks a third term in office. The survey, conducted by the Texas Polling Institute, reveals a significant erosion of the governor's approval ratings and a narrowing gap between him and Democratic challenger Joshua Sharpton, signaling a much tighter race than previously anticipated.

The poll, released this morning, places Abbott's approval rating at 46%, a noticeable decline from previous surveys conducted throughout 2025. While still ahead, the drop represents a critical shift in voter sentiment. Sharpton, capitalizing on emerging discontent, has surged to 35% - a substantial improvement for the Democrat and a clear indication of growing support. This 11-point gap, while not insurmountable, is considerably smaller than predictions suggested just months ago.

Analysts point to two key issues driving this shift: property taxes and border security. Abbott has staked much of his political capital on these areas, promising relief and robust enforcement. However, the poll indicates that voters are increasingly dissatisfied with the governor's performance on both fronts.

Property Tax Relief Falls Short of Expectations

Abbott's highly publicized push for property tax relief, a perennial concern for Texas homeowners, appears to be backfiring. While he's championed legislation aimed at reducing the burden, a large portion of voters believe the measures haven't gone far enough or haven't been implemented effectively. Concerns center around the fact that many homeowners aren't seeing substantial reductions in their tax bills, and the process for appealing assessments remains cumbersome and confusing. The perception is that the relief is more symbolic than substantial. Furthermore, Sharpton's campaign has successfully highlighted the complexity of the tax system and proposed more comprehensive, long-term solutions focusing on school finance reform, resonating with struggling families.

Border Security Concerns Evolve

Border security, a cornerstone of Abbott's political identity, is also proving less of a guaranteed win. While it remains a significant issue for many Texans, the governor's aggressive strategies, including "Operation Lone Star," are facing mounting scrutiny. Critics argue that the program has been costly, ineffective, and has led to legal challenges and humanitarian concerns. Sharpton has skillfully positioned himself as offering a more nuanced approach, emphasizing comprehensive immigration reform and addressing the root causes of migration rather than solely relying on enforcement.

Sharpton's Campaign Gains Traction

Sharpton's campaign has shrewdly focused on issues beyond the traditional Republican strongholds of property taxes and border security. He has successfully emphasized education funding, advocating for increased investment in public schools and teacher pay. His proposals for expanding access to affordable healthcare, particularly for rural communities, are also resonating with a segment of the electorate that feels overlooked by the current administration.

The poll reveals a particularly concerning trend for the Abbott campaign: waning support among independent and suburban voters - demographics crucial to winning statewide elections in Texas. Sharpton is demonstrably making inroads with these voters, who appear increasingly open to a different vision for the state. This is particularly pronounced in rapidly growing suburban counties surrounding major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

Looking Ahead

While Abbott remains the favorite to win reelection, the poll suggests the race is far closer than many initially predicted. The tightening numbers force the governor to reassess his strategy and actively address the concerns of a growing number of dissatisfied voters. Sharpton, meanwhile, has a clear path to continued momentum if he can maintain his focus on issues that resonate with key demographics and effectively contrast his vision with Abbott's. Political analysts predict a highly competitive and potentially expensive campaign in the coming months, with both candidates likely to invest heavily in advertising and grassroots organizing. The next major poll is expected in March, and will provide a crucial snapshot of whether these trends continue to develop.