UT Tyler poll reveals top concerns for voters

TYLER — The latest poll by The University of Texas at Tyler revealed that border security, gun control and education were currently the most important policy concerns on the minds of Texas voters. UT Tyler’s poll began on Feb. 20, days after Gov. Abbott’s State of the State address to announce legislative priorities for 2023. The survey ended on Tuesday, Feb. 28, with 1,190 total interviews of registered voters in Texas that were completed online or by phone. “Border security, gun control and education were all identified as the most important policy concern more often than they were in October. Inflation and reproductive rights continue to be top five issues, but they were mentioned less often,” said Dr. Mark Owens, associate professor of political science and director of the UT Tyler Center for Opinion Research. “The three issues gaining attention were all listed as emergency items for Gov. Abbott. Voters also seem mixed on whether Texas Republicans are best to move forward on these issues.”

Voters believe Republicans are best suited to handle border security (R +37%), which is the most frequently listed policy of importance. However, voters are split on who will promote school safety the best and think Texas Democrats should have more say in improving education in the state (D +4%). New policy agendas are emerging, but 54% of voters believe Texas is on the wrong track, Owens added.