DALLAS — Everything is bigger in Texas, including the political stakes this November.
Texas voters head to the polls Nov. 3 in an election that could reshape the state’s political landscape, with major battles for governor, U.S. Senate and seats in Congress and the state legislature. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott faces Democrat Gina Hinojosa, while Republican Ken Paxton squares off against Democrat James Talarico for a U.S. Senate seat.
At the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, voters told Fox News Digital that pocketbook pressures are shaping how they view the state’s future, with some predicting the reliably red Lone Star State will stay that way while others see an opening for Democrats this fall.
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“I think we’re going to struggle, but I think it will stay red,” Briana of Garland, told Fox News Digital.
Mike and Tracey, a couple from Houston, were more definitive.
“Red. It’s going to stay red,” Tracey said. “Red,” Mike added.
Chris took that confidence a step further.
“Hell will freeze over before Texas flips blue,” Chris told Fox News Digital.
Patrick and Jennifer, of Dallas, shared that confidence.
“Texas will always be a Republican state,” Jennifer said, while acknowledging that Republican candidates will not win every race. “But we still think it will stay Republican,” Patrick added.
Not everyone at the fair was betting on Texas staying firmly in Republican hands.
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Mary said she believes the Dallas-Fort Worth area is moving in the opposite direction.
“It’s definitely leaning more blue. Texas as a whole, I’m not sure,” she said. “I think if there would be an election that swings blue, it would be this one. So we’ll see if it happens.”
Party politics aside, several voters said the economy remains top of mind.
Cynthia, who moved to Texas from New York, said she is looking for policies that will grow the economy, support businesses and leave families with enough disposable income to enjoy outings like the State Fair.
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“If you don’t have enough disposable income, then you can’t really enjoy something like this,” she said. “It’s pricey.”
Jennifer also pointed to inflation and the prolonged strain of higher prices.
“I think people were expecting some sort of inflation,” Jennifer said. “But I don’t think we were prepared for it to last this long.”
Meanwhile, Roxanne also expressed frustration with the country’s current direction, saying dissatisfaction with the current administration is influencing her political outlook.
“I just don’t agree with the current administration, so I really want to see somebody else come in and do a better job,” she said.
From the midway to the ballot box, Texas voters offered competing views of where the Lone Star State is headed, but agreed the economy will be difficult to ignore as they prepare to cast their ballots Nov. 3.