Apr 18, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Beto O'Rourke closes gap on Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race

Ted Cruz holding a microphone in one hand and his other arm is outstretched, palm down

Ted Cruz. Photo: Erich Schlegel/Getty Images

There's just a 3-point margin between Sen. Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger Rep. Beto O'Rourke, according to a Quinnipiac poll released Wednesday.

Between the lines: 51% of independent voters support O'Rourke over Cruz, which is one group of voters that could help him pull of a win. And Cruz's job approval rating (47%) and favorability (46%) aren't exactly high marks for the incumbent senator. The top two issues for the state are immigration and health care, followed by the economy and gun policy.

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