Democrat Gina Hinojosa, who’s running for Texas governor, speaks during a recent press conference in San Antonio. Credit: Stephanie Koithan

A new poll this week from Latino-led voter engagement organization Somos Votantes shows Latino voters in Texas trending sharply towards Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Gina Hinojosa leads Republican Gov. Greg Abbott by 19 points among Latino voters, while Democrat James Talarico is ahead of incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn by 24 points with that demographic, according to polling conducted for Somos Votantes by predominantly Democratic public affairs firm Global Strategy Group.

Economic concerns dominate for the Texas Latino electorate. A total of 75% said they are concerned about inflation, 81% voiced concern about rising gas prices and 76% worry about what the Iran war is costing taxpayers.

What’s more, only 41% of those surveyed said they have a favorable view of President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, just 37% said they’re happy with Trump’s economic policies.

Even so, Somos Votantes President Melissa Morales cautioned that the favorable numbers shouldn’t breed complacency.

“Republicans and Trump are facing a strong backlash due to economic anxiety fueled by tariffs and the cost of the war in Iran,” she said. “But Democrats don’t have a guaranteed victory either. With Latino voters making up an increasingly decisive share of the Texas electorate, both parties face pressure to offer concrete answers on the kitchen-table issues such as costs, economic stability and government accountability, that are driving these poll results.”

Indeed, the picture is more complicated down the ballot, where several House races remain genuinely competitive.

In Texas’ 15th District, Democrat Bobby Pulido leads Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Monica de La Cruz by just two points. The 28th District is even tighter, with Democrat U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar holding a single-point edge over Republican Tano Tijerina, 40% to 39%. In the latter race, 21% of voters remain undecided.

Republicans currently hold an advantage in the state’s redrawn 35th District, where Carlos De La Cruz is ahead, 54% to 39%.

“Latino voters are clear about what they want from their leaders: relief on costs, protection of core programs and accountability,” Vice President of Global Strategy Group Rosa Mendoza said in a statement. “Who addresses these concerns first will have an advantage come November.”

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Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...