Texas Governor's Race Tightens In Wake Of School Mass Shooting, Quinnipiac University Texas Poll Finds; 61% Of Parents Concerned There Will Be A Shooting At Their Child's School
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In the race for Texas governor, 48 percent of voters support Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, while 43 percent support Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke, according to a Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pea-ack) University poll of Texas registered voters released today. This compares to a Quinnipiac University poll in December 2021 when 52 percent of voters supported Abbott and 37 percent supported O'Rourke. In today's poll, Republicans (90 - 5 percent) and independents (46 - 40 percent) back Abbott, while Democrats (96 - 2 percent) back O'Rourke.
There are also big differences by gender, race, and age. Abbott wins the support of men 59 - 33 percent, while O'Rourke wins the support of women 52 - 38 percent. Abbott wins the support of white voters 63 - 30 percent, while O'Rourke wins the support of Black voters 73 - 11 percent and Hispanic voters 50 - 41 percent. O'Rourke leads among voters 18 - 34 years old (56 - 35 percent), while Abbott leads among voters 35 - 49 years old (50 - 38 percent) and voters 50 - 64 years old (57 - 37 percent). Among voters 65 years of age and over, Abbott receives 50 percent, while O'Rourke receives 45 percent.
FAVORABILITY & PERSONAL TRAITS
Forty-six percent of voters have a favorable opinion of Abbott, while 45 percent have an unfavorable opinion of him.
Thirty-eight percent of voters have a favorable opinion of O'Rourke, while 43 percent have an unfavorable opinion of him.
When it comes to Abbott's personal traits, voters say:
- 46 - 45 percent that he is honest;
- 52 - 44 percent that he has good leadership skills;
- 48 - 47 percent that he does not care about average Texans.
When it comes to O'Rourke's personal traits, voters say:
- 43 - 42 percent that he is not honest;
- 45 - 43 percent that he does not have good leadership skills;
- 51 - 41 percent that he cares about average Texans.
"The race tightens...Abbott, considered strong on leadership, slips. O'Rourke, considered long on empathy, rides the momentum of support from women and young Texans in the horse race to Austin," said Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy.
ABBOTT VS. O'ROURKE: THE ISSUES
Voters were asked who would do a better job handling six issues...
- the situation at the Mexican border: 53 percent say Abbott, while 38 percent say O'Rourke;
- the economy: 52 percent say Abbott, while 38 percent say O'Rourke;
- the response to the coronavirus: 51 percent say Abbott, while 40 percent say O'Rourke;
- election laws: 49 percent say Abbott, while 42 percent say O'Rourke;
- gun policy: 47 percent say Abbott, while 43 percent say O'Rourke;
- abortion: 44 percent say O'Rourke, while 42 percent say Abbott.
MOST URGENT ISSUE
Asked to choose the most urgent issue facing Texas today, the Texas-Mexico border tops the list (29 percent) followed by the economy (19 percent) and gun policy (17 percent).
Among Republicans, 56 percent say the Texas-Mexico border followed by the economy (24 percent).
Among Democrats, 34 percent say gun policy followed by abortion (13 percent).
Among independents, 25 percent say the Texas-Mexico border followed by the economy (21 percent), gun policy (18 percent), and abortion (10 percent).
SCHOOL SHOOTINGS
Sixty-one percent of parents say they are either very concerned (32 percent) or somewhat concerned (29 percent) there will be a shooting at their child's school, while 39 percent say they are either not so concerned (26 percent) or not concerned at all (13 percent).
"It's a number that dramatically underscores the horror still reverberating in Texas households. A majority of parents fear the unthinkable could barge into the very schools their children attend," added Malloy.
GUN LAWS
Fifty-one percent of voters think that stricter gun laws would help to decrease the number of mass shootings, while 47 percent think they would not. This is a change from a Quinnipiac poll in June 2021 when only 42 percent of voters said that stricter gun laws would help to decrease the number of mass shootings and 56 percent said they would not.
Voters support 58 - 38 percent stricter gun laws in the United States.
Voters support 93 - 6 percent requiring background checks for all gun buyers.
Voters support 73 - 25 percent raising the minimum legal age to buy any gun to 21 years old nationwide.
Voters are split on a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons. Forty-seven percent support a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons, while 49 percent oppose it.
"Texans take a hard look at a harrowing series of mass killings and signal it's time to put more teeth into gun laws. Though when it comes to assault weapons, there is a near even split on whether to outlaw their ownership," added Malloy.
ABORTION
Fifty-nine percent of voters think abortion should be legal in all cases (24 percent) or most cases (35 percent), while 35 percent think abortion should be illegal in most cases (23 percent) or all cases (12 percent).
This is an increase in support for abortion being legal compared to Quinnipiac's September 2021 poll when 51 percent thought abortion should be legal in all cases (17 percent) or most cases (34 percent) and 43 percent thought it should be illegal in most cases (32 percent) or all cases (11 percent).
JOB APPROVALS
Voters give President Joe Biden a negative 33 - 61 percent job approval rating. On Biden's handling of gun violence, voters give him a negative 31 - 60 percent approval rating.
Voters give Governor Greg Abbott a mixed job approval rating, with 46 percent approving and 48 percent disapproving. On Abbott's handling of gun violence, voters give him a negative 38 - 55 percent approval rating.
Job approval ratings for Texas elected officials...
- Sen. Ted Cruz: 43 percent approve, while 50 percent disapprove;
- Sen. John Cornyn: 34 percent approve, while 44 percent disapprove;
- State Attorney General Ken Paxton: 40 percent approve, while 43 percent disapprove;
- Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick: 40 percent approve, while 39 percent disapprove;
- Texas State Legislature: 37 percent approve, while 53 percent disapprove.
1,257 Texas registered voters were surveyed from June 9th - 13th with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points, including 326 parents with kids attending school with a margin of error of +/- 5.4 percentage points.
The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Doug Schwartz, Ph.D. since 1994, conducts independent, non-partisan national and state polls on politics and issues. Surveys adhere to industry best practices and are based on random samples of adults using random digit dialing with live interviewers calling landlines and cell phones.
Visit poll.qu.edu or www.facebook.com/quinnipiacpoll
Email poll@qu.edu, or follow us on Twitter @QuinnipiacPoll.
Poll Questions
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Question 1. If the election for governor were being held today, and the candidates were Beto O'Rourke the Democrat and Greg Abbott the Republican, for whom would you vote?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No O'Rourke 43% 5% 96% 40% 33% 52% 39% 24% Abbott 48 90 2 46 59 38 54 68 SMONE ELSE(VOL) 2 - - 4 2 3 1 1 WLDN'T VOTE(VOL) 2 - - 2 2 2 1 2 DK/NA 5 4 2 9 5 6 4 5 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp O'Rourke 56% 38% 37% 45% 26% 34% 30% 73% 50% Abbott 35 50 57 50 69 57 63 11 41 SMONE ELSE(VOL) 2 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 WLDN'T VOTE(VOL) 1 3 1 2 - 2 2 4 1 DK/NA 6 6 3 2 3 5 4 11 5 -
Question 2. Is your opinion of Greg Abbott favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Favorable 46% 86% 9% 40% 52% 40% 49% 62% Unfavorable 45 8 86 46 36 52 47 29 Hvn't hrd enough 6 3 2 10 9 4 4 5 REFUSED 3 2 3 4 3 4 1 3 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Favorable 27% 52% 53% 52% 61% 53% 57% 16% 41% Unfavorable 57 42 37 45 33 39 36 68 46 Hvn't hrd enough 13 5 6 1 4 5 5 8 9 REFUSED 3 2 4 2 2 3 2 8 3 -
Question 3. Is your opinion of Beto O'Rourke favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Favorable 38% 7% 86% 32% 29% 45% 38% 21% Unfavorable 43 79 2 40 49 36 55 63 Hvn't hrd enough 16 12 8 23 19 14 6 13 REFUSED 4 2 4 5 2 5 - 3 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Favorable 43% 37% 32% 42% 23% 33% 28% 63% 44% Unfavorable 29 42 52 46 67 54 60 5 29 Hvn't hrd enough 22 20 13 8 9 11 10 21 22 REFUSED 6 1 3 3 2 2 2 11 5 -
Question 4. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Greg Abbott is handling his job as governor?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 46% 88% 6% 40% 55% 38% 51% 64% Disapprove 48 9 91 49 38 56 45 31 DK/NA 7 3 3 11 7 6 4 5 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 29% 45% 59% 49% 65% 54% 59% 15% 37% Disapprove 62 47 38 45 32 39 36 82 51 DK/NA 10 8 2 6 3 6 4 3 12 -
Question 5. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the state legislature is handling its job?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 37% 66% 7% 34% 44% 30% 42% 49% Disapprove 53 20 86 58 46 58 47 39 DK/NA 11 14 7 9 9 12 12 13 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 25% 35% 44% 41% 53% 39% 46% 21% 30% Disapprove 69 53 45 48 38 45 41 73 62 DK/NA 6 11 11 11 9 16 13 6 8 -
Question 6. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ted Cruz is handling his job as United States Senator?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 43% 80% 6% 38% 50% 37% 48% 60% Disapprove 50 15 90 53 45 55 48 37 DK/NA 7 5 5 9 6 8 4 3 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 30% 41% 51% 48% 61% 50% 55% 14% 36% Disapprove 61 50 46 46 37 47 42 67 57 DK/NA 8 9 4 7 2 4 3 19 7 -
Question 7. Do you approve or disapprove of the way John Cornyn is handling his job as United States Senator?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 34% 54% 20% 31% 38% 32% 43% 36% Disapprove 44 25 61 48 38 50 45 41 DK/NA 21 21 20 21 25 18 12 23 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 22% 28% 43% 45% 41% 37% 39% 23% 35% Disapprove 48 50 41 39 39 47 43 54 41 DK/NA 30 23 16 16 20 16 18 23 24 -
Question 8. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling his job as president?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 33% 5% 75% 32% 28% 38% 33% 18% Disapprove 61 91 16 64 68 55 63 79 DK/NA 6 3 10 4 4 7 4 2 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 25% 32% 33% 42% 19% 29% 24% 61% 39% Disapprove 65 60 65 55 78 68 73 29 54 DK/NA 9 7 2 3 3 2 3 10 7 -
Question 9. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ken Paxton is handling his job as state attorney general?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 40% 69% 14% 35% 43% 37% 37% 54% Disapprove 43 16 67 49 41 45 54 29 DK/NA 17 14 19 16 16 18 10 17 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 26% 37% 51% 42% 47% 46% 47% 22% 37% Disapprove 46 47 40 42 39 39 39 57 46 DK/NA 28 17 9 16 14 15 14 22 17 -
Question 10. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Dan Patrick is handling his job as lieutenant governor?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 40% 70% 10% 38% 44% 37% 41% 52% Disapprove 39 12 72 41 39 40 47 27 DK/NA 20 18 17 21 17 23 12 21 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 29% 36% 51% 45% 51% 44% 48% 20% 38% Disapprove 38 43 38 39 33 36 35 55 39 DK/NA 33 21 11 16 15 20 18 24 22 -
Question 11. Do you approve or disapprove of the way - Joe Biden is handling gun violence?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 31% 7% 67% 27% 24% 37% 30% 22% Disapprove 60 88 26 63 68 53 63 74 DK/NA 9 5 8 10 7 10 7 4 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 23% 28% 34% 41% 19% 30% 25% 53% 36% Disapprove 61 62 63 56 75 65 70 37 54 DK/NA 17 10 3 3 6 4 5 11 11 GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Approve 25% 21% 35% 34% 19% Disapprove 68 74 54 59 78 DK/NA 7 5 11 8 3 -
Question 12. Do you approve or disapprove of the way - Greg Abbott is handling gun violence?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Approve 38% 74% 1% 34% 45% 32% 44% 55% Disapprove 55 17 98 58 48 60 51 36 DK/NA 7 10 1 7 7 8 6 9 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Approve 28% 36% 48% 43% 56% 47% 51% 8% 30% Disapprove 67 57 46 49 38 45 42 84 64 DK/NA 5 7 5 8 6 8 7 8 6 GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Approve 48% 54% 33% 34% 58% Disapprove 47 40 61 60 33 DK/NA 5 6 7 6 10 -
Question 13. Would you say that Greg Abbott - is honest, or not?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes 46% 85% 12% 38% 51% 42% 53% 66% No 45 12 78 49 40 50 42 30 DK/NA 9 3 9 13 10 8 5 4 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes 30% 49% 55% 53% 63% 58% 60% 12% 39% No 60 47 40 35 32 38 35 74 50 DK/NA 11 4 5 12 5 4 5 13 11 -
Question 14. Would you say that Greg Abbott - has good leadership skills, or not?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes 52% 90% 14% 48% 57% 47% 59% 65% No 44 8 82 47 38 49 38 32 DK/NA 4 2 4 4 5 4 3 3 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes 39% 56% 61% 53% 68% 59% 63% 18% 49% No 56 41 38 42 29 38 34 73 47 DK/NA 5 3 2 5 3 3 3 9 3 -
Question 15. Would you say that Greg Abbott - cares about average Texans, or not?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes 47% 88% 11% 40% 54% 42% 55% 68% No 48 9 85 53 40 54 43 30 DK/NA 5 3 4 7 6 5 3 2 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes 29% 49% 59% 52% 67% 59% 63% 12% 39% No 64 45 39 43 31 38 35 79 53 DK/NA 6 6 2 5 2 3 2 9 8 -
Question 16. Would you say that Beto O'Rourke - is honest, or not?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes 42% 14% 85% 39% 36% 47% 44% 27% No 43 72 2 45 50 36 45 59 DK/NA 15 14 13 16 14 17 11 14 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes 49% 44% 38% 41% 29% 38% 34% 62% 49% No 31 42 52 43 58 49 54 14 35 DK/NA 19 14 10 15 12 13 13 24 16 -
Question 17. Would you say that Beto O'Rourke - has good leadership skills, or not?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes 43% 15% 85% 39% 34% 52% 41% 28% No 45 77 5 45 55 36 54 64 DK/NA 12 7 10 16 12 13 6 8 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes 56% 44% 39% 40% 26% 39% 33% 69% 53% No 30 43 52 51 67 55 60 11 31 DK/NA 14 14 9 9 7 6 7 21 16 -
Question 18. Would you say that Beto O'Rourke - cares about average Texans, or not?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes 51% 22% 93% 50% 43% 58% 51% 32% No 41 72 3 40 48 34 45 60 DK/NA 8 6 4 10 9 7 4 8 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes 67% 50% 46% 45% 36% 43% 40% 77% 61% No 23 42 49 48 56 52 54 12 29 DK/NA 10 8 6 7 8 5 7 11 9 -
Question 19. In your opinion, what is the most urgent issue facing Texas today: COVID-19, the economy, climate change, the Texas-Mexico border, health care, election laws, racial inequality, schools, crime, abortion, taxes, or gun policy?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No COVID-19 1% - 2% 1% - 1% - 1% Economy 19 24 9 21 23 15 21 16 Climate change 2 - 5 2 3 2 4 2 Texas-Mexico border 29 56 4 25 33 26 32 45 Health care 4 1 9 4 3 5 2 5 Election laws 3 1 6 4 5 2 4 3 Racial inequality 2 1 4 3 2 3 2 2 Schools 4 3 5 3 4 4 4 4 Crime 3 3 2 4 5 2 2 2 Abortion 8 1 13 10 5 11 8 7 Taxes 1 1 1 2 3 - 1 1 Gun policy 17 4 34 18 10 23 14 8 SOMETHING ELSE(VOL) 4 5 4 2 4 4 3 3 DK/NA 2 - 3 1 1 2 3 - AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp COVID-19 1% 2% - 1% - 1% 1% 3% - Economy 21 20 21 13 24 15 19 11 25 Climate change 5 1 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 Texas-Mexico border 13 25 38 41 40 39 40 7 21 Health care 6 3 2 2 3 5 4 2 5 Election laws 2 6 4 3 5 2 3 3 3 Racial inequality 4 3 1 2 2 2 2 5 3 Schools 4 5 4 2 3 4 4 4 4 Crime 1 3 5 5 1 3 2 11 2 Abortion 16 7 5 4 5 10 8 9 8 Taxes 1 2 1 1 2 - 1 1 1 Gun policy 23 19 11 21 7 13 10 35 20 SOMETHING ELSE(VOL) 2 5 3 4 4 2 3 7 4 DK/NA - - 3 1 - 2 1 1 2 -
Question 20. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job - handling the economy: Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Abbott 52% 92% 8% 51% 61% 44% 63% 71% O'Rourke 38 4 85 38 31 44 33 23 DK/NA 10 4 7 11 8 11 4 6 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Abbott 39% 54% 61% 52% 74% 63% 68% 18% 41% O'Rourke 48 34 32 44 22 31 27 71 44 DK/NA 13 11 7 4 4 6 5 11 15 -
Question 21. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job - handling the response to the coronavirus: Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Abbott 51% 88% 8% 50% 58% 44% 54% 69% O'Rourke 40 8 86 36 32 46 41 24 DK/NA 10 5 6 14 10 10 5 7 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Abbott 35% 53% 62% 48% 68% 59% 63% 15% 46% O'Rourke 56 36 31 41 27 35 31 70 40 DK/NA 8 11 7 11 6 7 6 15 14 -
Question 22. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job - handling the situation at the Mexican border: Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Abbott 53% 90% 10% 51% 60% 47% 59% 71% O'Rourke 38 6 84 34 31 44 36 23 DK/NA 9 4 6 15 9 9 4 6 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Abbott 45% 55% 61% 51% 73% 61% 67% 18% 48% O'Rourke 45 35 32 42 22 34 28 69 42 DK/NA 11 10 6 7 6 5 5 13 11 -
Question 23. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job - handling abortion: Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Abbott 42% 80% 4% 37% 50% 36% 46% 60% O'Rourke 44 10 85 47 37 50 46 28 DK/NA 14 9 11 16 13 14 8 12 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Abbott 26% 39% 56% 45% 58% 52% 55% 15% 34% O'Rourke 63 44 34 38 31 39 35 65 49 DK/NA 11 16 11 17 11 9 10 20 16 RELIGION.......... Wht ATTEND SRVCS Evang Prot Cath Weekly Less Abbott 79% 50% 38% 54% 38% O'Rourke 12 39 49 29 50 DK/NA 9 11 13 17 12 -
Question 24. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job - handling gun policy: Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Abbott 47% 90% 1% 45% 58% 38% 54% 68% O'Rourke 43 5 93 43 36 50 41 26 DK/NA 9 5 6 12 7 12 4 6 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Abbott 34% 48% 56% 50% 69% 57% 63% 11% 38% O'Rourke 55 40 40 42 28 36 32 80 47 DK/NA 11 12 4 8 3 7 5 9 15 GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Abbott 58% 65% 41% 43% 68% O'Rourke 35 29 48 52 22 DK/NA 7 6 11 5 10 -
Question 25. Regardless of how you intend to vote, who do you think would do a better job - handling election laws: Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Abbott 49% 87% 6% 50% 58% 42% 56% 67% O'Rourke 42 8 89 40 34 49 40 26 DK/NA 9 6 5 10 8 9 3 7 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Abbott 33% 53% 60% 50% 68% 59% 63% 16% 43% O'Rourke 55 38 35 43 28 34 31 72 45 DK/NA 12 8 5 6 4 7 6 12 12 -
Question 26. Do you think that Greg Abbott is too conservative, too liberal, or about right?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Too conservative 45% 13% 79% 49% 38% 50% 50% 32% Too liberal 7 6 6 7 7 7 3 5 About right 42 76 12 38 48 37 45 58 DK/NA 6 5 4 7 7 6 1 5 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Too conservative 68% 44% 32% 37% 39% 41% 40% 54% 47% Too liberal 4 8 11 2 5 4 4 17 7 About right 25 41 50 56 54 51 52 17 38 DK/NA 3 7 6 6 3 4 3 12 9 -
Question 27. Do you think that Beto O'Rourke is too conservative, too liberal, or about right?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Too conservative 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% Too liberal 47 75 11 52 54 42 63 63 About right 38 11 80 35 31 45 31 25 DK/NA 10 10 6 9 11 10 3 9 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Too conservative 2% 2% 8% 3% 3% 4% 3% 2% 6% Too liberal 42 46 52 47 70 58 64 16 36 About right 45 36 33 44 22 31 27 71 45 DK/NA 11 15 7 6 5 8 6 11 14 -
Question 28. How much of the time do you think you can trust the police to do what is right; almost all of the time, most of the time, only some of the time, or hardly ever?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Almost all the time 24% 46% 7% 20% 26% 22% 32% 32% Most of the time 42 44 43 39 40 44 46 46 Some of the time 25 8 39 30 24 25 17 17 Hardly ever 9 2 10 11 9 9 4 4 DK/NA 1 1 1 - 1 - - 1 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Almost all the time 8% 22% 32% 31% 33% 32% 32% 10% 15% Most of the time 31 40 46 47 43 49 46 29 45 Some of the time 44 29 17 16 19 15 17 42 30 Hardly ever 16 9 5 5 3 5 4 18 10 DK/NA - - - 1 1 - 1 1 - -
Question 29. Do you think abortion should be legal in all cases, legal in most cases, illegal in most cases or illegal in all cases?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Legal all cases 24% 11% 37% 25% 18% 29% 23% 19% Legal most cases 35 21 52 36 32 38 33 30 Illegal most cases 23 40 5 22 28 19 28 31 Illegal all cases 12 23 3 9 13 10 11 15 DK/NA 6 5 3 7 8 4 5 5 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Legal all cases 42% 24% 17% 16% 17% 24% 21% 34% 23% Legal most cases 35 37 36 36 29 33 31 42 42 Illegal most cases 12 22 30 27 35 25 30 8 20 Illegal all cases 8 12 14 14 12 14 13 8 11 DK/NA 3 5 4 7 7 4 5 8 4 RELIGION.......... Wht ATTEND SRVCS Evang Prot Cath Weekly Less Legal all cases 12% 22% 18% 12% 28% Legal most cases 18 30 47 29 39 Illegal most cases 43 32 16 30 21 Illegal all cases 21 13 13 24 8 DK/NA 5 3 6 4 5 -
Question 30. How about when the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest; do you think abortion should be legal in that situation or illegal?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Legal 79% 66% 94% 82% 75% 82% 79% 76% Illegal 15 25 4 13 16 13 14 16 DK/NA 7 9 1 5 9 5 6 8 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Legal 87% 79% 78% 79% 77% 78% 78% 90% 79% Illegal 9 15 15 15 15 15 15 6 17 DK/NA 4 6 7 6 8 6 7 4 4 RELIGION.......... Wht ATTEND SRVCS Evang Prot Cath Weekly Less Legal 65% 75% 76% 61% 86% Illegal 24 16 18 32 9 DK/NA 11 8 6 7 6 -
Question 31. In general, do you agree or disagree with the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that established a woman's right to an abortion?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Agree 59% 35% 91% 58% 52% 65% 56% 49% Disagree 35 57 4 38 42 29 41 44 DK/NA 6 8 5 4 6 6 4 7 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Agree 78% 59% 53% 52% 45% 58% 52% 72% 66% Disagree 19 36 44 38 48 37 42 20 31 DK/NA 3 5 3 10 7 5 6 7 3 RELIGION.......... Wht ATTEND SRVCS Evang Prot Cath Weekly Less Agree 28% 49% 66% 41% 66% Disagree 65 45 29 54 29 DK/NA 7 6 5 5 5 -
Question 32. Do you think abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which is usually around 6 weeks of pregnancy, should be legal or illegal?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Legal 48% 21% 78% 50% 41% 55% 50% 40% Illegal 44 73 17 41 51 38 43 53 DK/NA 8 6 5 9 9 7 7 7 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Legal 69% 46% 46% 36% 38% 50% 44% 47% 56% Illegal 25 46 52 55 55 44 49 41 38 DK/NA 5 7 2 8 8 6 7 11 6 RELIGION.......... Wht ATTEND SRVCS Evang Prot Cath Weekly Less Legal 19% 40% 52% 28% 55% Illegal 72 54 40 62 38 DK/NA 8 7 8 10 6 -
Question 33. Do you think getting an abortion in Texas today is too easy, too difficult, or about right?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Too easy 22% 35% 12% 20% 25% 20% 21% 29% Too difficult 41 12 78 43 33 48 46 33 About right 19 30 6 18 20 17 16 19 DK/NA 18 24 4 19 22 15 16 19 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Too easy 9% 20% 31% 25% 28% 23% 25% 20% 19% Too difficult 64 38 32 35 30 45 38 46 42 About right 14 24 17 23 23 15 18 10 24 DK/NA 12 18 20 16 19 18 18 25 14 RELIGION.......... Wht ATTEND SRVCS Evang Prot Cath Weekly Less Too easy 40% 27% 24% 40% 16% Too difficult 16 34 39 24 47 About right 22 18 24 18 20 DK/NA 22 21 13 18 17 -
Question 34. As you may know, the new abortion law that recently went into effect in Texas is not enforced by the state, but is instead enforced by allowing private citizens to sue anyone they suspect may have helped an abortion take place after a fetal heartbeat is detectable. Do you think allowing private citizens to enforce the law instead of the state is a good idea or a bad idea?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Good idea 17% 30% 3% 15% 21% 13% 17% 18% Bad idea 75 60 95 77 68 82 76 75 DK/NA 8 10 2 7 11 5 7 6 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Good idea 14% 17% 19% 14% 25% 12% 18% 16% 15% Bad idea 82 76 74 79 67 82 75 77 79 DK/NA 4 7 7 7 8 6 7 7 6 RELIGION.......... Wht ATTEND SRVCS Evang Prot Cath Weekly Less Good idea 26% 15% 20% 27% 13% Bad idea 66 77 75 62 81 DK/NA 8 8 5 11 6 -
Question 35. Do you support or oppose stricter gun laws in the United States?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Support 58% 37% 87% 58% 49% 67% 59% 49% Oppose 38 57 10 40 46 31 39 47 DK/NA 4 6 3 2 6 3 3 4 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Support 64% 59% 53% 61% 46% 60% 53% 81% 60% Oppose 34 40 43 32 51 36 43 17 37 DK/NA 2 1 4 6 3 4 3 2 3 GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Support 53% 47% 64% 63% 41% Oppose 43 51 33 35 52 DK/NA 3 2 3 2 7 -
Question 36. Do you support or oppose requiring background checks for all gun buyers?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Support 93% 94% 98% 90% 90% 96% 93% 95% Oppose 6 6 2 8 8 3 6 5 DK/NA 1 1 - 1 2 1 1 1 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Support 92% 96% 93% 95% 91% 97% 94% 95% 93% Oppose 7 4 6 4 8 3 5 5 5 DK/NA 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 1 1 GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Support 94% 93% 94% 93% 92% Oppose 5 6 5 6 6 DK/NA 1 1 1 1 2 -
Question 37. Do you support or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Support 47% 29% 88% 37% 35% 59% 46% 39% Oppose 49 66 11 59 62 37 51 56 DK/NA 4 5 1 4 4 4 3 6 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Support 49% 41% 49% 57% 30% 52% 42% 63% 53% Oppose 49 56 48 40 68 41 54 30 47 DK/NA 2 3 3 3 3 6 5 7 1 GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Support 41% 34% 52% 52% 33% Oppose 57 64 45 45 62 DK/NA 3 2 4 3 6 -
Question 38. Do you support or oppose raising the minimum legal age to buy any gun to 21 years old nationwide?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Support 73% 66% 95% 67% 66% 79% 69% 66% Oppose 25 32 5 32 31 20 29 33 DK/NA 2 2 - 1 2 1 2 1 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Support 77% 67% 75% 81% 60% 73% 67% 81% 79% Oppose 22 32 25 19 38 26 32 16 21 DK/NA 2 1 - 1 2 1 2 3 - GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Support 73% 70% 80% 72% 63% Oppose 25 29 19 25 36 DK/NA 1 1 1 2 1 -
Question 39. Which of the following do you think is the main cause of mass shootings by young people in the United States: the availability of guns; family instability; mental health issues; entertainment such as movies, music, and video games; or social media?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Availability of guns 21% 3% 48% 21% 16% 25% 25% 13% Family instability 21 32 8 19 25 18 22 21 Mental health issues 37 44 25 41 40 34 36 44 Entertainment 6 8 8 5 5 7 5 4 Social media 7 8 5 9 6 9 6 9 SOMETHING ELSE(VOL) 5 5 4 3 4 5 5 7 DK/NA 2 1 3 2 4 1 2 2 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Availability of guns 29% 18% 16% 25% 15% 21% 18% 41% 18% Family instability 18 17 29 23 27 18 22 11 25 Mental health issues 42 44 34 27 41 38 40 23 40 Entertainment 1 6 10 8 4 6 5 11 7 Social media 5 6 7 10 7 8 7 5 6 SOMETHING ELSE(VOL) 5 7 4 3 4 7 6 8 2 DK/NA 1 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 1 GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Availability of guns 16% 13% 23% 28% 7% Family instability 22 26 20 21 24 Mental health issues 44 45 35 34 45 Entertainment 5 4 7 3 10 Social media 7 6 7 7 9 SOMETHING ELSE(VOL) 5 4 5 6 3 DK/NA 1 1 2 1 1 -
Question 40. Do you think that stricter gun laws would help to decrease the number of mass shootings, or don't you think so?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes/Help decrease 51% 23% 93% 49% 43% 59% 50% 35% No 47 76 5 50 55 41 50 64 DK/NA 1 - 2 1 3 - 1 1 AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes/Help decrease 62% 47% 47% 57% 32% 48% 40% 78% 60% No 38 52 53 42 66 52 59 21 40 DK/NA 1 1 1 1 2 - 1 1 - GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Yes/Help decrease 44% 37% 59% 57% 29% No 55 61 40 42 70 DK/NA 1 2 1 1 1 -
Question 41. Is being the victim of a mass shooting something you personally worry about, or not?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes/Worry 43% 32% 62% 41% 33% 52% 38% 31% No 55 67 37 59 64 48 61 69 DK/NA 1 2 2 - 3 - - - AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes/Worry 60% 46% 38% 30% 25% 40% 33% 55% 53% No 40 53 60 69 73 60 66 43 46 DK/NA - 1 1 1 2 - 1 1 1 GUN......... DENSITY............ HsHld Owner City Suburb Rural Yes/Worry 36% 31% 50% 44% 27% No 64 69 49 55 71 DK/NA - - 1 1 2 -
Question 42. Do you have any kids that are attending elementary, middle, or high school this year?
REGISTERED VOTERS.......................................... WHITE........ 4 YR COLL DEG Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No Yes 31% 30% 26% 34% 32% 30% 32% 21% No 69 70 74 66 68 70 67 79 DK/NA - - - - 1 - - - AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE..... 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp Yes 14% 62% 29% 12% 30% 22% 26% 30% 36% No 86 38 71 88 70 77 74 70 64 DK/NA - - - - - - - - - -
Question 42a. (If yes/have kids attending school q42) How concerned are you that there will be a shooting at your child's school; very concerned, somewhat concerned, not so concerned, or not concerned at all?
REGISTERED VOTERS............. HAVE KIDS ATTENDING SCHOOL Q42 Tot Men Wom Very concerned 32% 23% 40% Somewhat concerned 29 24 34 Not so concerned 26 32 21 Not concerned at all 13 20 6 DK/NA - 1 -