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September 28, 2026
Explore how changing demographics, political divisions and economic concerns are shaping the 2026 Texas Senate race and the broader midterm landscape. Students will examine polling trends, independent voters and the issues driving public opinion while building critical media literacy skills for evaluating political polls.
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The Texas flag shares America's red, white and blue. But its politics have run Republican red for thirty years. Shifting demographics have raised and dashed Democrats' hopes before, but this year, a GOP divided by political scandals, rising prices and fights over big tech is restoring Democrats' faith in a potential Senate race upset.
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How do you think Republican political candidates might shift their campaign strategies around President Trump's sinking popularity? What actions might they take to distance themselves from Trump? Or do you think some candidates might continue to highlight their support for Trump?
Media literacy: Examine the poll in the infographic below. Then discuss — what information does this poll provide, and what important information does it leave out? What other questions would you like to ask poll respondents after seeing this poll?
Discuss two of the other polls included in this segment. What surprises you about either of them? What other questions would you like to ask the poll respondents?
Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
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