About | Subscribe

of Texas voters say property taxes have a “major impact” on their personal finances. (February 2025)

of Texas voters say it is extremely or very important for the legislature to address teacher pay/retention (February 2025)

Importance of passing ESA's

of Texas voters said it was extremely (18%) or very (21%) important for the Texas legislature to establish educational savings accounts. (February 2025)

Latest Analysis

Second Reading Podcast: ESA's Triumph in the Texas House

James Henson & Joshua Blank discuss the passage of an ESA bill by the Texas House, the vibe in the legislature ahead of the informal Easter break, and check in on how 2026 is shaping up.

If at first you don’t succeed…ESA’s are back in the House

The basic configuration of public opinion before, during, and now in the wake of millions spent on advocacy and campaigning has been fairly apparent in University of Texas/Texas Politics Project polling over the last few years.

Second Reading Podcast: National Economic Upheaval Injects Uncertainty in the Texas Budget Process

James Henson and Joshua Blank look at Texas public opinion on tariffs and the economy, and how economic upheaval might upend core assumptions about the state budget for the next biennium.

Expected Short-Term Impact of Tariffs on Prices for Everyday Goods

Expected impact of tariffs on prices for everyday goods (February 2025)

Expected Long-Term Impact of Tariffs on U.S. Economy

Expected long-term impact of increasing tariffs on the U.S. economy (February 2025)

PAAT Nerdy for 30 Media Roundtable April 11

With less than two months until sine die, the Professional Advocacy Association will convene a panel of Texas political press and observers to discuss the 89th Texas Legislative Session and the latest news and actions of interest. James Henson will moderate a panel including Gromer Jeffers, Jr. of the Dallas Morning News, Brad Johnson of The Txan, Mark Jones of Rice University, and Harvey Kronberg of Quorum Report Friday April 11 at 10:00 AM.

Summer Internship

Offered by: Travis County Democratic Party

Policy Research Intern

Offered by: Nourish the Future Foundation, INC

Legal Internship

Offered by: University of Texas School of Law Immigration Clinic

Political Internship - Summer

Offered by: Lilly & Company

With the border quiet, Texas ponders spending another $6.5 billion on border security

The Texas Tribune, Apr 21, 2025

Some are questioning whether lawmakers should commit billions more to border security with illegal crossings dwindling and a Trump immigration crackdown.

Texas House gives initial OK to $1B school voucher proposal, rejects call for referendum

Austin American-Statesman, Apr 16, 2025

Proponents of a controversial school voucher program cheered early Thursday morning after the Texas House gave its initial approval to a proposal that had for years been roadblocked by the lower chamber.

As Paxton challenge looms, Cornyn seeks traction with hard-right voters

The Dallas Morning News, Apr 07, 2025

Polls show Attorney General Ken Paxton is stronger with the GOP’s most conservative voters who heavily influence primary elections.

Poll: Texas Republicans say tariffs will help in the long run

Axios, Apr 07, 2025

Texas voters polled before President Trump's latest round of massive tariffs said they expected prices on consumer goods would increase, but Republican respondents said they will help in the long run, polling shows.

Sign up for the Texas Politics Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest polling results, analysis, events, and more from the Texas Politics Project.

Texas Politics webtext, 12th Edition

The Texas Politics webtext features original content and is updated each term with the latest polling data from the Texas Politics Project and other critical updates in the world of Texas politics and government. It also includes in-depth investigations to provide students with a deeper dive into important topics guided by state learning objectives for Texas constitutional government. Find out more from our partners at Soomo Learning.

Visit Soomo Learning