GOP rep: Texas is not about to turn ‘blue, much less turn purple’

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) on Tuesday dismissed the notion that Democrats could make significant gains in Texas in the midterm elections.  

“Texas is not about to turn … blue, much less turn purple,” Hensarling said on CNN’s “New Day.”

Hensarling, who is not seeking reelection, said that the GOP-led tax cuts that President Trump signed into law in December had ultimately strengthened the economy, bolstering Republican candidates’ chances in the midterms.

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“I think ultimately that’s going to be reflected in the election in November,” he said.

Democrats are hoping to seize on Trump’s low approval ratings and various controversies surrounding his administration to regain a majority in the House in 2018. 

Democrats need to pick up at least 24 seats in the House to take control of the chamber.

Data released over the weekend by the Texas secretary of State’s office showed record-high early voting by Democrats in the state. Texas is set to hold its congressional primaries on Tuesday, making it the first state to do so in 2018.

Hensarling said he was not willing to dismiss high Democratic turnout, but also noted that the general elections in November will be more telling.

“These are the primaries, and, you know, I’m going to wait and see what actually happens in November,” Hensarling said.