A new poll reveals a tight Senate race between Ted Cruz and Colin Allred, with Cruz leading by just 1%. The survey highlights key voter concerns, including immigration and the economy.

According to a new survey, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred are nearly even for a Texas Senate seat. Cruz leads Allred by one percentage point in the latest Emerson College Polling survey, issued on Wednesday, with 48% of likely voters favoring Cruz and 47% supporting Allred.
Cruz led Allred by four points in September, but the fight has tightened. According to the poll, Allred's increased name recognition may be helping close the gap. "Allred’s name recognition has improved since last month," said Emerson College Polling executive director Stephen Kimball. "The percentage of respondents who had never heard of him dropped from 18% in early September to 10% this month."
The poll shows Texas voters' top concerns as the election heats up. Immigration is 32% of respondents' top priority, followed by the economy at 26%. Healthcare (5%), abortion availability (11%), and democracy risks (8%), are also important.
Both candidates are ramping up their Texas campaigns as Election Day approaches. Cruz has focused on border security and economic growth, whereas Allred has focused on healthcare, abortion rights, and democratic principles. The decreasing difference shows that both candidates are fighting for every vote in a Republican stronghold that is changing politically.
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Early voting is underway for the May 26 primary runoff election, with multiple polling locations open across Montgomery County. Voters will decide key party nominees ahead of the November general election.

The Texas Renaissance Festival remains under the control of George Coulam’s estate, the festival's founder, as a legal appeal delays a court-ordered sale. Despite the dispute, organizers say the 2026 season will proceed as planned.
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Alta Homes expects 70 Montgomery County house closings in 2026, roughly double the previous year, despite market slowdowns. CEO Dru Kahlenberg is targeting secondary submarkets like Willis and Highway 105, where reduced taxes and land costs make new building affordable for local buyers. Alta expects demand for entry-level and move-up houses to drive regional growth while national builders retreat.