Executive Summary

There is mounting evidence that voters in Texas' 7th Congressional District want change in Congress and that they see Democratic challenger Michael Skelly as a viable alternative to incumbent John Culberson. Skelly has significantly exceeded Culberson in campaign fundraising and is one of the few Congressional challengers in the country to have outraised an incumbent.

Key Findings

• In the short period since January 1, Michael Skelly has raised more than $407,000 and gained a 5 to 1 cash-on-hand advantage over Culberson, who has about $82,000.
• Michael Skelly has drawn financial support from both Democrats and Republicans because of his reputation as an independent problem-solver who will work with both parties to get things done in Washington.
• A recent poll by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research found that voters in the 7th District are attracted to his record as a successful businessman and his desire to work for change. The poll forecasts a close race in November. Initially, a slight majority of respondents (52 percent) favor John Culberson over Michael Skelly. But after voters get information about both candidates, Skelly pulls even with Culberson (44 percent to 44 percent with 12 percent undecided).
• Voters have a strong desire for change and Culberson's profile is weak among district voters. Nearly two-thirds of CD7 voters (62 percent) say they feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. Moreover, less than a third of voters (32 percent) have a positive opinion of Culberson, while nearly a quarter (23 percent) view him negatively, and 30 percent of voters were unfamiliar with him.