DALLAS — Experts say “The Texas Debate” Tuesday night between Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Colin Allred may not move the needle much among likely voters.
But it also might not take much in the tight race.
An internal polling memo from a GOP Super PAC reportedly gives Cruz just a one-point lead. However, most observers expect a wider margin.
“Even if Ted Cruz runs a few points behind Donald Trump, he should still prevail,” said Southern Methodist University political science professor Matthew Wilson.
You can watch the debate LIVE on KHOU 11 and KHOU 11+ at 7 p.m. The debate will also be on KHOU 11+ in Spanish
Tuesday night’s debate is the first and only one between Cruz and Allred and the stage is set inside the studios of KHOU's sister station, WFAA.
Wilson said it’s a good chance for Allred to introduce himself to voters who may not be as familiar with him outside of his Dallas-area congressional district.
Meanwhile, it gives Cruz a platform to nail down on differences beyond the political ads you see on TV.
But Wilson said debates like this are generally uneventful.
“It’s hard for senate debates to move the needle much because the viewership is a lot lower than in a presidential debate, the level of media coverage is a lot lower than in a presidential debate,” said Wilson. “So, most of the people watching are those who are plugged in or probably know who they’re going to support.”
He said any surprises could potentially change things.
“I think the only way it’ll make a major difference is if someone makes a significant mistake,” said Wilson. “If there’s a gaff, an error.” “Someone says something offensive or just clearly inaccurate, or something controversial that becomes a story in its right afterward.”
Both Cruz and Allred have a host of campaign events across Texas beginning the morning after the debate, including appearances between them in the Houston area and College Station.
Election day is three weeks from Tuesday.