On Tuesday, Defend Texas Liberty PAC released a statewide poll showing that 85 percent of Republican voters in Texas support Gov. Greg Abbott declaring the crisis on the southern border an invasion.

The poll, performed by CWS Research, also addressed Republican views on U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s popularity, banning child gender modification, and allowing minors access to pornography.

Border Crisis

Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution allows states to defend themselves from an invasion if the federal government fails to offer protection. As record numbers of illegal migrants—including individuals on the terrorist watchlist—continue to pour across the southern border, Mexican cartels are taking the opportunity to into the United States.  

In an interview with Fox News, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said, “[The border crisis] is an invasion. An invasion of people, an invasion of drugs into our country.”

In response to this threat, Texas border counties have declared the border crisis to be an invasion on their own.    

Faced with this stark reality, Republican support is strong for Abbott declaring this border crisis to be an invasion. According to a poll published by Defend Texas Liberty PAC, 85 percent of Texas Republican primary voters say that Governor Abbot should use his constitutional powers to declare an invasion.    

In declaring an invasion, Abbott could use state law enforcement—Department of Public Safety officers and state National Guard troops—to turn back illegal migrants at the border. 

Coryn’s Waning Popularity

The poll also addressed several other hot topics among conservative voters: lack of support for U.S.  John Cornyn after he joined Democrats in supporting gun control measures, banning child gender modification, and allowing minors access to pornography.

The poll found that Cornyn’s gun control support has significantly harmed his popularity among Texans. In a hypothetical reelection matchup against current Attorney General Ken Paxton, only 31 percent say they would support Cornyn.  Paxton, however, touted receive 51 percent of the vote.

“John Cornyn has betrayed Texas Republicans and it’s encouraging to see that they already know how blatant his betrayal has become,” said former State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, who currently leads Defend Texas Liberty. “It’s clear that Cornyn is not only the most unlikable politician in Texas, but he’s also dead in the water if he tries to run for re-election. Any other politician thinking about betraying Republican voters should think twice.”

Defend Texas Liberty also found that 84 percent of Texas Republican primary voters support banning child gender modification, as well as supporting the push to classify such procedures as child abuse.   

Additionally, 67 percent of voters believe Texas should pursue policies making it harder for minors to access pornography in schools. 

The full poll may be viewed here.

Juliana Berg

Juliana is a summer fellow for Texas Scorecard. She is studying political science and philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. She enjoys learning about the philosophies that shape America.

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