Poll finds Sanders faring best against Trump in Texas

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersTrump looms large over fractured Arizona GOP Biden faces challenge with Democrats on infrastructure package Why do we need a filibuster rule? Just look at today's political divisions MORE (I-Vt.) fares best against President TrumpDonald TrumpTrump touts record, blasts Dems in return to stage Trump demands China pay 'reparations' for role in coronavirus pandemic Trump endorses Rep. Ted Budd for Senate MORE in a head-to-head match-up in Texas, according to a new poll released Wednesday by Texas Lyceum.

Sanders still got less support than Trump in the poll, but he did win 47 percent compared to Trump’s 50 percent, a result within the poll's margin of error.

Just behind was former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump touts record, blasts Dems in return to stage Trump demands China pay 'reparations' for role in coronavirus pandemic Lincoln Project co-founder: Trump's words 'will surely kill again' MORE, who won 46 percent to Trump’s 51 percent. 

Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWhy do we need a filibuster rule? Just look at today's political divisions SEC removes Republican watchdog after progressive lobbying effort Biden, Capito speak by phone and agree to talk again Monday MORE (D-Mass.) won 44 percent in the Texas poll compared to 52 percent for Trump, while former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete Buttigieg Sunday shows preview: Infrastructure expected to dominate as talks continue to drag Biden rejects new GOP offer as spending talks drag on Biden, Capito speak by phone and agree to talk again Monday MORE won 43 percent compared to Trump's 51 percent.

The same poll found Biden and Sanders neck and neck among Texas Democrats, with 28 percent preferring Biden and 26 percent preferring Sanders, followed by 13 percent for Warren, 9 percent for former New York City Mayor Michael BloombergMichael BloombergEverytown features gun owners, law enforcement in ad blitz pushing background checks How Trump could impact the GOP's 2022 prospects The practical and political implications of Democrats pressuring Israel MORE, Buttigieg with 6 percent and Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharAntitrust proposal would empower bureaucrats and greedy trial lawyers Matt Stoller says cheerleading industry shows why antitrust laws are 'insufficient' Emhoff hits campaign trail to rally New Mexico ahead of special election MORE (D-Minn.) with 4 percent.

Sanders’s strength in the state is largely due to enthusiasm among younger and independent voters, Josh Blank, Texas Lyceum’s research director, told the Austin American-Statesman.

“When we look at the Democratic nominating contest, Sanders was far and away the choice of voters under 30 — 57% selected Sanders,” he said. “That’s also confirmed in the head-to-head matchups with President Trump. So, while the other three Democrats tested — Biden, Warren and Buttigieg — split that vote about 60-40 in their favor, Sanders beats Trump 70 to 30 among voters 18 to 29 years old.”

Independent voters are also a strength for Sanders in Texas, Blank said. He was the only one of the four candidates to beat Trump among independents. 

“While all three Democrats, aside from Sanders, lost independents to Trump in this poll, basically 60 to 30 or so with the rest of them unsure, Sanders is actually ahead of Trump with independents, 44 to 41,” he added.

Pollsters surveyed 1,000 adult citizens in Texas, including 401 Democratic primary voters and 520 likely general election voters, from Jan. 10 to 19. The poll has a 4.89-point margin of error for the primary voters and a 4.3-point margin of error for likely general election voters.