The Texas Politics Project
Tariffs
50%of Texas voters say that increasing tariffs will hurt their families’ finances (February 2026)
The U.S. Abroad
44%of Texas voters agree "This country would be better off if we just stayed home and did not concern ourselves with problems in other parts of the world" (50% disagree).(February 2026)
Immigration Enforcement
49%of Texans say that the Trump Administration has gone “too far” in enforcing federal immigration laws (February 2026)
Latest Analysis
Texas Politics Project Time Series: Job Approvals
The University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll regularly asks Texas voters to provide their assessment of national and statewide political leaders. This post presents the trend graphics for those views updated with each survey.
Competition Remains Fierce in Both U.S. Senate Primaries in Texas, According to Latest UT/Texas Politics Project Poll.
The latest UT/Texas Politics Project Poll finds the three-way Republican race remains likely headed to a run-off, while Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett maintains her advantage in the Democratic contest, even as State Representative James Talarico continues making inroads among a Democratic electorate to whom he was largely unknown prior to his first statewide campaign
Most Texas Republicans Remain Loyal to Trump As the President Heads to Texas
With President Donald Trump delivering planning to head to Texas the Friday before primary Election Day, the latest University of Texas/Texas Politics Project Poll finds the president hanging on to his support among Texas Republicans even as he struggles with stubbornly low ratings from Texans outside his base, and with slipping approval of his performance on key economic areas of concern to most Texans.
Texans' Views of the State's Economic Conditions Improve Slightly, but Remain Negative
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Support for the Immediate Deportation of Undocumented Immigrants in Texas
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Events
March 5: PAAT Nerdy for 30 Webinar, "Post Primary Power Hour"
On March 5, 2026, James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, will moderate a panel with Gromer Jeffers, Jr, Mark Jones, Brad Johnson, and Harvey Kronberg looking at turnout signals + surprises, runoff matchups and momentum, and what it means as we navigate the road to November
More information about the program and registration for the PAAT Instititue is available at the PAAT website.
Internships
District Office Congressional Internship
Offered by: Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)
Summer 2026 Congressional District Office Internship
Offered by: Office of Congressman Lloyd Doggett TX-37
Student Intern
Offered by: Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life
2026 Step-up Intern
Offered by: Harris County Precinct 2
News Media
GOP Senate candidates pitch themselves as best to boost down-ballot Republicans
Both John Cornyn and Ken Paxton argue they’re best equipped to carry the torch for Republicans and fight off Democratic headwinds in local races.
Abbott breaks with Trump over president’s call to nationalize elections
The Texas governor pushed back against the president’s call for federal oversight, even as Abbott and other Republicans have taken steps to assert state control over Harris County elections.
Sen. John Cornyn battles for political life in GOP primary contest with AG Ken Paxton, US Rep. Wesley Hunt
Cornyn is seeking Texas Republicans’ nomination for a fifth term in a contest that has seen bitter and expensive attacks on all sides. A new poll shows Paxton pulling away from Cornyn, but with no candidate leading by enough to avoid a runoff.
The Texas Senate Primary is Getting Ugly. Can Dems Pull It Together?
Nikki McCann Ramirez looks at the outbreak of hostilities in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary race.
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