'Something is happening': Strategist flags bombshell pro-Dem statistic in red state voting

Republicans are starting to freak out over their chances of holding on to a Texas Senate seat, and panelists on "CNN This Morning" discussed the possibility of Democrats flipping that seat.

Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is facing a stiff GOP primary challenge from MAGA Attorney General Ken Paxton, who many Republicans believe would be more vulnerable in a general election against Rep. Jasmine Crockett or state Rep. James Talarico, who are facing off in their own hotly contested Democratic primary.

"I was shocked to hear people describe the potential for a flip," said host Audie Cornish. "Take off your cynical journalist hat and actually look at the fact that these dudes are scared."

Early voting data suggests a sharp rise in Democratic turnout, up nearly 60 percent compared to the 2020 presidential primary, while Republican turnout was slightly ahead of that election, 15 percent higher than 2022 and slightly below the 2024 primary contest.

"There are more people that have voted in the Texas primary in the early vote than ever before," said Texas-based Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha, "and right now there's never been where the Democrats have outvoted Republicans in a state that Republicans have controlled for 30 years since 2002 – CNN reported that yesterday. But it's more than that. A quarter of the people that have voted early so far in this historic turnout have no Democratic primary history vote. Something is happening."

Conservative editor Rob Bluey conceded that Republicans faced an enthusiasm gap in this year's election.

"Zooming out from Texas, let's face it, the Democrats have are going to put Republicans to the test, not just there, but in Ohio and Alaska and maybe some other states," Bluey said. "I mean, it is not a favorable year for Republicans historically."

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