The Texas Politics Project
Data Centers
56%of Texas voters say that they oppose the construction of a data center in their community (June 2026)
War with Iran
41%of Texas voters support U.S. military action in Iran (47% oppose) (June 2026)
Economic impact of A.I.
49%of Texas voters expect artificial intelligence to have a negative impact on the economy. (June 2026)
Latest Analysis
Texans’ Opposition to Data Centers Aligns with Their Ambivalence Toward AI
The blooming public discussion in Texas (as well as nationally) suggests many direct reasons for opposition to data centers, particularly in rural and suburban areas, including anticipated higher energy costs, environmental concerns, quality of life issues, and objections to state-provided subsidies for data center construction and operation. However, the latest UT/TxPP Polling suggests another likely contributor to Texans’ skepticism: their at-best mixed attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI).
Job approval trends for Texas statewide incumbents and other trend data from the Texas Politics Project poll data archive (June 2026 UT/Texas Politics Project Poll update)
This page compiles graphics for trends in job approval ratings of the current statewide incumbents (Governor, Lt. Governor, U.S. Senators) that Texans rate on every poll. Bookmark the page for easy reference – we’ve also added similar graphics for trends in Texans’ assessment of conditions in Texas and the U.S., and some archival results for comparison with leaders no longer in office.
Trends in Texans' Economic Views
The University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll regularly asks Texas voters to provide their assessment of national, state, and personal economic conditions. Trend graphics in this post,updated with each survey.
Donald Trump Second Term Job Approval Trend
See details...
Expectations about the Economy One Year from Now
See details...
Events
May 28: PAAT Post Runoff Power Hour Video
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, moderated a panel of Texas media observers – Gromer Jeffers, Jr. , of The Dallas Morning News, Brad Johnson of The Texas Bullpen, Mark Jones of Rice University, and Harvey Kronberg of Harvey Kronberg's Quorum Report – to discuss the results and implications of the Texas runoff elections as party of the Professional Adovcacy Association of Texas's ongoing webinar series. View the session on the PAAT YouTube channel.
Internships
Political Fundraising Intern
Offered by: Lilly & Company
Policy & Research Associate
Offered by: Steven Brown for Austin City Council District 1
Campaign Internship; Texas State Rep. Salman Bhojani HD 92
Offered by: TX State Rep. Salman Bhojani HD 92
Field Lead
Offered by: Steven Brown for Austin City Council District 1
News Media
Talarico polling stronger with Texas' Black voters than expected, but enthusiasm questions remain
Blaise Gainey looks at the question of "lingering hesitation" about James Talarico among Black voters in Texas.
The politics of data centers
Geraldine Torrellas considers the emerging politics around data centers in Texas.
Republicans to hold their first-ever midterm convention in Dallas
Bridget Bowman looks at the Texas context of mid-term GOP convention.
A new poll shows a majority of Texans oppose having data centers in their community
David Brown talks with Jim Henson about Texas views of data center construction in the latest UT/Texas Politics Project Poll.
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.