The Texas Politics Project
Gas prices
61%of Texas voters say that they are “very concerned” about the price of gas, up 23 points since February (April 2026)
War with Iran
49%of Texas voters disapprove of U.S. military action in Iran, 37% approve (April 2026)
U.S. on the Wrong Track
34%of Texans say that the U.S. is headed in the right direction, 59% say the country is on the wrong track (April 2026)
Latest Analysis
April Polling: War and surging gas prices fuel another negative turn in Texans’ views of the economy
The April University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll finds Texans feeling the pain from a sharp rise in gas prices fueled by war in the Middle East, with 61% of Texas voters “very concerned” about the price of gasoline and energy amidst renewed worries about the economy and prices overall.
Second Reading: Gov. Abbott Squeezes the Cities, National Groups Spend on Texas Congressional Races, and the Texas Lyceum Poll
In this week's podcast, James Henson and Joshua Blank check in on Gov. Abbott’s pressure on Houston, Dallas, and Austin to change immigration enforcement politics and planned spending by both parties on Texas Congressional races, then go deep on the Texas Lyceum Poll’s look at Texans’ views of the quality of life in Texas.
Second Reading: Reporting the Fall of Tony Gonzales
In a new podcast, James Henson talks with Bayliss Wagner of the Austin American-Statesman and Hearst Newspapers about her reporting on the scandals that led to Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales' exit from the U.S. House, including the role of non-traditional and social media in the emergence of the story in mainstream media.
Texans’ Attention to Immigration in Decline
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Negative Views of the Direction of the Country Increase
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Events
May 28: PAAT Post Runoff Power Hour
On Thursday March 10, 2026, James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, will moderate a panel of Texas media observers to discuss the results and implications of the Texas runoff elections. The event is hosted by the Professional Advocacy Association of Texas – you'll find more information at their website.
Internships
News Media
‘We need new blood’: Texas voters look for leadership changes, fresh faces this election year
Some vocal Texas voters say they want to get rid of politicians who’ve served the state for decades. Much of that sentiment can be boiled down to a preference for younger candidates with new energy — or even older ones who buck long-held status quo.
Hardline conservative donors Tim Dunn, Farris Wilks ballooned Bo French’s Railroad Commission campaign
Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks made their fortune in the oil business. They’ve deployed millions of dollars to pull the Texas GOP and Legislature toward their stances.
Could this finally be the year for Texas Democrats?
It’s been more than thirty years since a Democrat won state-wide in Texas. But some think a voter backlash against President Trump’s policies could end that drought.
How a culture warrior forced a runoff in the race for Texas oil regulator
Mike Lee looks at the Texas Railroad Commissioner race for E&E News by Politico.
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