The old political adage that incumbents do not make new friends, and that is why they need to keep the old ones, must have been talking about the Texas governor’s race.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has yet another General Election to campaign in his bid for a fourth term, but recent approval numbers from The Texas Politics Project show why this time is considerably harder. As of February 2026, Abbott has a 46% approval rating with a sobering 44% disapproval rating, with only 10% undecided.
Data among party lines is not a surprise, with 82% of Republicans backing Abbott and 80% of Democrats decrying the job he has done in the state.
Perhaps what is also startling is that 62% of independent voters disapprove of Abbott’s tenure, and they could sway the 2026 midterm election should they head to the polls in droves come November.
The nonpartisan website also speculates Abbott’s numbers could be suffering from his strong support for the Trump administration, as the president’s numbers also slump.
Currently, Trump has a 49% disapproval rating, a 45% approval rating, and only 6% undecided. Recent military actions against Iran and the president not ruling out the use of ground troops have also been blamed for tumbling numbers.
Gina Hinojosa takes aim at Republican agenda
Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa again condemned Abbott’s agenda during his current term in a campaign donation release on Sunday, March 8.
“In 2021, the GOP was ramming through an extreme anti-voter bill. I felt something rising in me that I couldn’t ignore. I knew staying put meant letting Texans lose their freedom to vote,” she said. “Texas is on another precipice. Our schools are under attack, our freedoms are eroding, and right-wing corporate donors have more influence in the Governor’s Office than everyday Texans ever will unless we change course immediately.”
Hinojosa has already said her campaign is enthused by the large Democratic turnout in the primary elections, with plans to continue the momentum through voter outreach.
Important dates for 2026 General Election
The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.
Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23, by mail or Oct. 19, in person. The absentee ballot return deadline is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, either by mail or in person on Election Day.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day in Texas.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Greg Abbott numbers show slim margin for approval rating
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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