The Texas Politics Project
Data Centers
57%of Texas voters say that they oppose the construction of a data center in their community (August 2026)
ICE
41%of Texas voters have a favorable view of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while 46% have an unfavorable view (August 2026)
Healthcare Costs
64%of Texas voters say that they are ‘extremely concerned’ about the cost of healthcare (August 2026)
Latest Analysis
Second Reading Pod: What the Latest UT/Texas Politics Project Poll Tells Us About the 2026 Election In Texas
With new polling data from the August poll in hand, James Henson and Joshua Blank talk over what the trial ballots and other election-related items can and can't tell us about the state of Texas races as summer winds down.
New UT/Texas Politics Project poll finds Talarico Leading Paxton in U.S. Senate Race, Abbott maintaining lead over Hinojosa in gubernatorial race
The August 2026 UT/Texas Politics Project Poll finds 42% of Texas voters preferring Democrat James Talarico and 39% planning to vote for Republican Ken Paxton in the hotly contested U.S. Senate race in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott led Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa 45%-40%, as Texans continue to voice reservations about data centers and express intense concern about prices.
Second Reading: How Big a Problem is Rural Discontent with Data Centers for Texas Republicans?
In a new pod, James Henson and Joshua Blank look at public opinion data from rural Texas to assess how big a problem the state's Republican leaders have among rural voters after a summer of rural pushback on data centers, high capacity power lines, and economic concerns.
Share of Texans Saying an Economic Issue is the Most Important Problem Facing the Country
See details...
Donald Trump Second Term Job Approval Trend
See details...
Events
September 9: "The Politics of Data Centers in Texas" panel
On Friday, September 9, 2026, James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project will participate in a panel conversation about public views of data centers sponsored by The Texas Tribune. Panel will include Dr. Henson and Texas Tribune Reporters Paul Cobler and Taylor Goldenstein, and will be moderated by Rebekah Allen, the Tribune's managing direcvtor of politics and enterprise. The event is the first of the Tribune's "Beyond the Headlines" series. The event will be held with a live audience and streamed online. RSVP is required.
Internships
News Media
New poll: Data centers becoming a major political issue in Texas elections
CBS News Texas political reporter Jack Finks talks with James Henson about the August 2026 UT/Texas Politics Project Poll.
State of Texas: Data centers face political headwinds, poll shows
James Henson talks about Texas public opinion on data centers with host Josh Hinkle on Nexstar's State of Texas.
‘Real fight’: Cruz says Texas election hinges on voter turnout
Natassia Paloma looks at Texas Republicans' worries about GOP turnout, and looks at polling in top races in the state.
James Talarico continues to edge out Ken Paxton in Texas’ U.S. Senate race, new poll finds
Andrew Schneider reports on findings in the Texas race for the U.S. Senate.
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.