Party Revolt? GOP Voters TURN on Incumbent!

A new poll shows a dramatic collapse in approval for a high-profile Republican senator, revealing deep fractures within the GOP base and raising alarm for his 2026 re-election prospects.

At a Glance

A University of Houston poll shows the senator’s GOP approval at just 49%, trailing party peers
General approval dropped below 40%, with disapproval climbing significantly
The senator lags far behind GOP figures like Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott, who remain above 80%
Discontent comes as overall approval for Senate Republicans plummets nationally
The senator is doubling down on Trump loyalty to salvage support ahead of a likely primary challenge

Approval Craters as Intraparty Support Evaporates

According to a University of Houston/Texas Politics Project poll, the senator’s approval rating among likely GOP primary voters has dipped to just 49%—compared to 80%+ approval for fellow Republicans like Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott. His standing with the general electorate is even worse, sinking below 40% with a rising disapproval trend.

These numbers coincide with a broader slide in voter sentiment toward Senate Republicans. A recent Quinnipiac University survey shows only 21% of Americans approve of Senate GOP performance, with Democratic disapproval at all-time highs.

Watch a report: Poll Reveals Collapse of GOP Senator’s Approval.

Trump Strategy: Too Little, Too Late?

Facing discontent from both moderates and MAGA loyalists, the senator has launched a campaign strategy centered around unwavering support for Donald Trump. In recent interviews and op-eds, he emphasized loyalty to Trump’s judicial nominees and border policies—hoping to re-cement his conservative credentials.

But analysts warn the move may backfire. Despite public alignment with Trump, the poll data suggests voters aren’t convinced, potentially viewing the pivot as reactive rather than principled.

Primary Risk and Political Fallout

With GOP trust faltering, the senator faces a critical window to reset his image or risk being outflanked by Trump-first challengers. Primary threats are reportedly already mobilizing behind the scenes, eyeing the approval vacuum as an opening.

If the trend holds, this collapse may mark not only the end of a Senate career, but a shift in how GOP voters define loyalty, ideology, and leadership in the post-Trump landscape.