New UT Poll: 50% of Texas voters disapprove of Trump, Abbott

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, right, after he received Abbott's endorsement at the South Texas International Airport Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Edinburg, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Amid persistent economic concerns and a politically charged atmosphere, a new University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll reveals growing unease among voters in the Lone Star State. For the first time since August 2023, a majority of Texans (53%) now say the state is headed in the wrong direction.

The poll, conducted Aug. 22 through Sept. 1, also reveals that both President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott have net negative approval ratings among Texas voters. The survey, which has a margin of error of +/- 2.83 percentage points, captures deep partisan divides in public opinion, with starkly different approval ratings depending on party affiliation, as well as early preferences in the 2026 U.S. Senate race.

50% of Texas voters disapprove of Donald Trump's job performance

Trump remains popular with Texas Republicans but continues to lose ground with independents and Democrats. In the latest poll, 43% of respondents approve of Trump’s job performance, while 50% disapprove — down from 52% approval in February.

Trump's border security is the only issue with net positive rating among Texans

As of August, Trump only had a net positive rating on one issue in Texas: border security. He had 45% approval and 46% disapproval on immigration and equal approval and disapproval on crime and public safety. Trump performed poorly on healthcare, redistricting and most economic issues.

When asked about the most pressing issues facing Texas families, 64% of respondents cited the cost of food and consumer goods — up from 60% in June. Healthcare costs (63%) and housing prices (56%) also remain top concerns.

While inflation and the economy dominate voter worries, the poll also found lukewarm support for recent special session proposals addressing school choice, property taxes and immigration. Respondents gave mixed reviews of the legislative priorities, suggesting limited enthusiasm even among likely voters.

50% of Texans disapprove of Greg Abbott's job performance

Gov. Greg Abbott faces similar challenges. Just 40% of Texans approve of his job performance, compared to 50% who disapprove. These numbers reflect a slight decline from earlier in the year and mark continued erosion of support among independents.

Early indicators for 2026 Senate race

Looking ahead to the 2026 U.S. Senate race, the poll measured favorability ratings among potential and declared candidates within each party.

While no formal matchups were tested, the results indicate potential momentum for newer faces like Allred and Crockett, and continued deep support for O’Rourke among Democrats. Paxton, despite ongoing legal controversies, remains the most popular GOP option tested.