A new survey from the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center at Texas Southern University sheds light on where Texas voters stand as the 2026 U.S. Senate primaries approach. The poll,

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The survey also showed former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, not yet a declared candidate, leading former Congressman Colin Allred by double digits in a hypothetical Democratic primary matchup.

The Democratic lawmakers have been in Illinois since Aug. 3 to avoid a vote on the remap during a special legislative session called by Texas GOP.

Patrick is running for his fourth term as the lieutenant governor of Texas. He has been in the position since 2014.

A second special session that has made approving the map a priority started Friday, as soon as the first one ended.

Following Texas Democratic lawmakers’ return on Monday, President Donald Trump urged the state legislature to move quickly to pass a highly controversial redistricting bill "ASAP."

A person holds a sign, as protesters begin lining the area near the House chamber before a session as Democratic lawmakers, who left the state to deny Republicans the opportunity to redraw the state's 38 congressional districts, begin returning to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 18, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores