The Texas Politics Project
Healthcare Concerns
67%of Texas voters are “very concerned” about the cost of healthcare (December 2025)
Artificial Intelligence
44%of Texas voters are very concerned about the impact of AI on the economy (December 2025).
Immigration Enforcement
45%of Texans say that the Trump Administration has gone “too far” in enforcing federal immigration laws (December 2025)
Latest Analysis
The Audience(s) for James Talarico’s Progressive Christianity in the Democratic Primary
Just how State Representative James Talarico's progressive Christian theology lands with the primary electorate he needs to win over to gain the nomination is an open question - a question not as straightforward as it might seem.
A Hot Week in Texas Election Politics
In a new Second Reading podcast, James Henson and Joshua Blank look at three big stories in Texas that generated national attention as election season heats up in the state: the special election for Senate District 9, Colin Allred's surprising re-emergence in the Democratic Senate nomination race, and Donald Trump's public musings about endorsing in the Republican Senate race.
The Collision of Immigration, Gun Rights, and Free Speech After Another Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents
In a new Second Reading Podcast, James Henson and Joshua Blank look at how the shooting deaths of protesters by federal immigration authorities in Minneapolis activate a complex interplay among attitudes on immigration, gun rights, and the First Amendment.
Texans remain split on their views of international involvement by the U.S.
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Views of state leadership and the legislature’s handling of healthcare underwater
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Events
December 3: PAAT Institute panel, "On the Record: The Texas Political Press Weighs In"
On December 3, 2025, as part of the Professional Advocacy Association of Texas's annual PAAT Institute, James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, moderated a panel with leading members of the Texas political press on the key policy and political issues emerging ahead of the 90th Legislature, and how the 2026 election season could impact the dynamics of the Texas House, Senate, and statewide leadership. More information about the program and registration for the PAAT Instititue is available at the PAAT website.
Internships
News Media
Texas Democrats were united after upset victory in Tarrant County. Then Allred lambasted Talarico
Michael Adkison reports on the impact of Colin Allred's criticism of Senate candidate James Talarico after an influencer accused him of racially-tinged comments.
What a Democratic upset that sent 'shockwaves' through the Texas GOP could mean for November
In the days since Democrat Taylor Rehmet flipped a state Senate seat in historically red Tarrant County, Texas politicos have been deciphering what this upset victory means for Republicans come November.
Dem's special election victory in Texas signals potential danger ahead for GOP
Cory Smith reports on Democrat Taylor Rehmet’s victory over Republican Leigh Wambsganss
Cornyn and Talarico lead in Senate fundraising battle
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and state Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) finished 2025 with far more cash on hand than their party rivals in the race for U.S. Senate in Texas, per campaign finance reports filed over the weekend.
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