Texas Pulse
The Pulse of Texas Politics
Texas Pulse is a new non-partisan public opinion survey designed to support high-quality reporting on Texas politics, backed by more than 20 years of independent polling experience. In collaboration with Texas A&M University’s Department of Political Science, ReconMR’s Texas Pulse delivers unbiased, transparent, methodologically rigorous insights on the views of Texas registered voters.
What the Texas Pulse Measures
Texas Pulse surveys registered voters across the state to capture their views on key dimensions of Texas and national politics, including:
- Thoughts on the direction of Texas, and the United States
- Favorability toward elected officials, political institutions, and other notable public figures
- Approval ratings for state and national leaders
- Vote intention in upcoming elections for offices such as governor, Congress, and president
- Support or opposition to major policy proposals affecting Texas
- Exploration of social and cultural issues affecting all Texans
Results are analyzed across key demographic groups, including age, gender, race and ethnicity, region, part affiliation, ideology, education, income, religion, and labor union membership.
Designed for the Press and the Public
Texas Pulse is built with journalists, researchers, and engaged Texans in mind.
Every release includes:
- Clear headlines highlighting the most newsworthy findings
- Detailed tables and charts suitable for reporting
- Expert analysis written by Texas A&M Bush School faculty.
- Full cross‑tabulated results showing how opinions vary by demographic group
- Exact question wording and full methodological transparency
Texas Pulse team members are also available for interviews and commentary on the day each survey is released.
Shaped by Ongoing Input
To stay on the pulse of Texas politics, the team seeks ongoing input from journalists, researchers, and public affairs professionals. Reporters and journalists are invited and encouraged to suggest emerging issues, identify gaps in public opinion data, and help shape future questionnaires.
By combining academic rigor, professional survey execution, and engagement with local journalists, Texas Pulse aims to better inform the public, the press, and policymakers about the attitudes of Texas voters.
Built by Leading Polling Methodology
A product of a strategic integration with Texas A&M Bush School, ReconMR/Siena Research Institute (SRI), ReconMR has modeled the Texas Pulse on the long-running Siena New York Poll, a monthly survey of New York registered voters conducted by the SRI.
For more than two decades, the ReconMR/SRI poll has been the standard for accuracy, transparency, and methodological rigor, being conducted in partnership with outlets such as The New York Times and Spectrum News. To date, the ReconMR/SRI poll has received a top rating for accuracy from respected poll rankings, including Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin.
The Texas Pulse was established with ReconMR/SRI contributions, comprising its well-tested survey design and methodological best practices, and encompassing ReconMR’s care and precision, SRI’s methodological approach, and Texas A&M’s Bush School’s deep and historic knowledge of Texas politics.
Methodology at a Glance
- Population: Texas registered voters; switches to likely voter poll as elections near
- Frequency: Monthly (approximately 10 surveys per year)
- Field Period: 3–5 days per survey
- Modes: Landline and cell phone interviews, text‑to‑web invitations
- Weighting: Results are weighted by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, and education using benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey
- Margin of Error: Less than ±5 percentage points for statewide results
This mixed‑mode, weighted approach ensures a representative snapshot of the Texas electorate.
Comprehensive Data Releases
Each Texas Pulse release includes:
- A written analysis highlighting key findings, trends, and implications (including quotes suitable for media publication/press releases)
- Full cross‑tabulated datasets for all survey questions
- Demographic breakouts by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, party affiliation, and more
- Detailed notes on sampling, weighting, modes, and margin of error
Over time, repeated questions will build a historical record of public opinion in Texas — tracking changes in approval ratings, issue attitudes, and electoral preferences across months and years.
Media FAQ
When are results released?
Texas Pulse results are released monthly. Reporters may receive advance notice or embargoed access depending on the release.
Will full data be available?
Yes. Every release includes full cross-tabulated results, question wording, frequencies, and detailed methodological notes.
Is Texas Pulse non-partisan?
Yes. Texas Pulse is an independent, non-partisan research project conducted by academic researchers and a professional survey firm.
Who can comment on the results?
Texas Pulse team members involved in the project are available for interviews and expert analysis on release day.
Can reporters suggest questions or topics?
Yes. The Texas Pulse team actively welcomes input from journalists on emerging issues, gaps in public opinion data, and future survey topics.
Contact for Media Inquiries
For press inquiries, interview requests, or to be added to the Texas Pulse media distribution list, please contact:
Dr. Lindsey Hendren, PhD
Senior Research Analyst
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