DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - The Texas Democratic and Republican parties both responded to Tuesday night's debate among Democratic presidential hopefuls by saying the state has become a battleground.
"Texas is the biggest battleground state," Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said. "Texas Democrats showed up in full force tonight across our state. We will do the same tomorrow night, and we are fired up and ready to defeat Donald Trump."
"One area we agree with Beto on - keeping Texas Republican won't be easy. Help us defend the Lone Star State, get involved!" the Texas GOP posted on Twitter.
"It's a good fundraising theme on both sides," says SMU political science professor Cal Jillson.
Jillson says the state's demographics are changing. He says more minorities are moving from other states, and while that could lead to a closer election in 2020, he says Texas may fall short of a "battleground state."
"Donald Trump as president sort of destabilizes the natural Republican electorate in Texas and around the country," he says. "We know Texas has tightened up, but it may not be a battleground state."
Jillson cites last year's election for U.S. Senate from Texas. Ted Cruz won reelection, but he beat Beto O'Rourke just 51-48 percent.
In 2012, Cruz beat Democrat Paul Sadler, 57-41 percent.
Governor Greg Abbott won his first term in 2014 by beating Wendy Davis 59-39 percent. He was reelected in November, defeating Lupe Valdez 56-43 percent.
"Texas is evolving, but that evolution is relatively slow, driven by demographic change," Jillson says.
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— Texas Democrats (@texasdemocrats) July 31, 2019One area we agree with Beto on - keeping Texas Republican won't be easy. Help us defend the Lone Star State, get involved! https://t.co/JYvwwLqWF8 https://t.co/wXQbRuoPTi
— Texas GOP (@TexasGOP) July 31, 2019
