HOUSTON — Early voting is underway for the March primary and a new survey of Harris County Democratic voters is shedding light on which candidates have support and which ones are struggling.
The University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs asked likely Democratic primary voters for their thoughts on top Harris County political figures.
Among those with the strongest favorability include Rep. Al Green -- 83% of people viewed him favorably. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo (82%) and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez (75%) also performed well in the survey.
Other political figures who are fighting to keep their positions have less support.
According to the survey, 61% of likely Democratic primary voters said they view District Attorney Kim Ogg unfavorably. Pollsters said it's bad news for Ogg, who's locked in a re-election battle with Sean Teare.
"For Kim Ogg, the fact that 61% of Harris County Democratic voters have a negative opinion of her spells real trouble for her as she attempts to be elected to a third term. And it means that Shawn Teare, her rival, has a very good prospect of defeating her on March 5, most likely by a pretty substantial margin," UH Hobby School Research Associate and Rice University Professor Mark Jones said.
Nearly 40% of likely Harris County Democratic primary voters have an unfavorable opinion of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, according to the poll while 61% have a favorable opinion of her.
The survey also showed that 25% view Houston Mayor John Whitmire unfavorably and 22% view former Mayor Sylvester Turner unfavorably.
Early voting continues until March 1 and the primary is on March 5.