Analysts say state’s demographics could lead towards shift to left
If the numbers are right, it is possible that Texas may not be the red state we all thought it was.
Gallup has released a list of the most Conservative states in the country, and Texas does not appear in the top ten. Strategist Chris Begala explains why that is.
“This is a very conservative state when you look at the makeup of our elected officials, but when you get down into the numbers of the actual statewide vote, it’s a lot closer because Hispanics make up a huge portion of our state,” Begala said.
Is that a sign that Texas is turning purple? Begala doesn’t think so.
“Remember that elections are closer but there has not been a Democrat win statewide office since 1992,” Begala stated.
It is the changing demographics that have people like Harvey Kronberg of the Quorum Report believing Texas could very well become more competitive.
“The demographics are helping Democrats. It’s not just Hispanics. It’s women. It is the Obama coalition currently,” Kronberg said.
And the changes could come sooner rather than later.
“By the end of this next decade, Texas will be in flux. California will be in flux. Democrats won’t be able to ignore Texas. Republicans won’t be able to ignore California,” Kronberg explained.
All in all, according to the Gallup poll, Red states outnumbered blue states in 2012 by a 20-12 margin.
