Clinton, Ogg lead among Harris County voters in latest UH poll

HOUSTON – Harris County voters appear to be favoring Democrats this election cycle, according to a University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll released Thursday.

In the presidential race, Democrat Hillary Clinton had support from 43 percent of voters in Harris County who said they are certain or very likely to vote, compared to 36 percent for Republican Donald Trump.

In the race for Harris County district attorney, Democrat Kim Ogg held a seven-point lead over her Republican rival, Devon Anderson -- 40 percent to 33 percent.

“The latest poll is proof that Harris County voters want change, starting with a new District Attorney who will keep their families safe,” Ogg said in a statement. “They want a District Attorney who fights for fair and equal justice, and spends their tax dollars fighting violent criminals. They want a District Attorney who will end the abhorrent practice of jailing rape victims.”

"This poll was conducted before we had full knowledge that the TV ad blitz full of lies that my opponent placed starting October 10th was paid for by socialist, billionaire George Soros,” Anderson said in a statement. “Now that people know her money is not even from Harris County voters, I am certain they will rally behind me and not allow the DA’s Office to be bought by out of state, special interests."

The race for Harris County sheriff was much closer. Incumbent Republican Sheriff Ron Hickman was in a statistical tie with his Democratic challenger Ed Gonzalez, leading Gonzalez 37 percent to 36 percent.

This survey was conducted before Wednesday night’s debate, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percent.

“Harris County is a good deal more blue than the rest of Texas,” said Richard Murray, political science professor and director of Hobby School’s Survey Research Institute.

In a statewide survey by the school released Tuesday, Trump was leading Clinton by three points, which is within the margin of error.

“It is not surprising that while Donald Trump had a three-point lead statewide, he trails Hillary Clinton by seven points in Harris County,” Murray said.  “This reflects the fact that Harris County has a larger percentage of African-American voters (than the state as a whole) and a somewhat smaller Anglo voter percentage."

Harris County is Texas’ largest county.

Early voting in Texas begins Monday and ends Nov. 4. Election Day is Nov. 8.

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