O'Rourke trails Abbott by 15 points in hypothetical matchup to unseat Texas GOP governor, poll

Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott holds a 15-point edge over Democrat Beto O'Rourke in a hypothetical 2022 matchup, according to a new poll.

The Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday show O'Rourke, a failed Senate and presidential candidate, trailing 37% to 52%. 

The poll also shows both candidates having strong party support. Republicans back Abbott 90%, and Democrats back O'Rourke 87%, suggesting they will get through any primary challenge and face off in the general election.

O'Rourke announced his bid last month. And while he has always proven to be a proficient campaign fundraiser (his campaign raised $2 million in its first 24 hours), ousting Abbott will likely be a difficult task – particularly headed into 2022, a midterm in which Democrats are expected to lose ground.

Texans also appear not especially keen on O'Rourke, a former congressman. His favorability rating was just 36% compared to a 42% unfavorable figure. Sixteen percent of those polled said his name did not register with them.

Abbott has a 52% favorability rating, and 42% unfavorability number.