The Texas Politics Project
National Economy
54%of Texas voters say that the national economy is performing worse than one year ago (October 2026)
AI and Humanity
52%of Texas voters say that the expect AI to have a negative impact on humanity (October 2026)
Iran Conflict
55%of Texas voters think the U.S. should end the conflict with Iran now, while 28% say the conflict should continue until Iran gives up more (October 2026)
Latest Analysis
Breaking Down 2026 Election Estimates in the Latest Texas Politics Project Poll
In the latest Second Reading Podcast, James Henson and Josh Blank look at the trial ballot results in the U.S. Senate contest in Texas as well as for other statewide races in the latest UT/Texas Politics Project Poll. Listener warning: it gets a little wonky.
Second Reading Podcast: How Will Trump Affect Texas Elections?
With Donald Trump planning to return to Texas again next week, James Henson & Joshua Blank ponder his polling numbers in Texas and whether he hurts or helps Republicans (after a quick look at the latest wave of Texas polling).
Latest UT/Texas Politics Poll Finds Historic Levels of Competition in Texas Midterm Elections
The latest University of Texas / Texas Politics Project Poll finds Democratic candidates with narrow advantages within the poll's margin of error among likely voters in most statewide races. Economic concerns remain high and front-of-mind for voters.
Share of Texans Saying an Economic Issue is the Most Important Problem Facing the Country
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Donald Trump Second Term Job Approval Trend
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Events
Texas Midterms: What Are Voters Telling Us?
Soomo Learning will host a special midterms webinar with James Henson, author of the Texas Politics webtext and director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin. We'll look at polling, discussing what the data reveals about Texans’ views on the candidates, key issues, and the direction of the midterm election.
Internships
News Media
In Texas, Talarico Inspires a Recurring Blue-Tinted Dream
Robert Draper considers "the idea, fantastical to many as it is irresistible to others, that the Democrats will win a statewide race in Texas for the first time in 32 years."
Can James Talarico flip Texas for the Democrats?
Jonathan Freedland speaks with James Henson about the 2026 elections in Texas for The Guardian's Politics Weekly Podcast.
How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O'Rourke
Asher Price compares the 2026 and 2018 Senate races in Texas.
Texas turning blue may hinge on Democrats harnessing data center opposition
CNBC looks at the role of data centers in the 2026 election.
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