University of Texas / Texas Tribune

Texas Statewide Survey

Field Dates: February 12 to February 19, 2016
N=1200 Adults
Margin of error: +/- 2.83% (3.49% adjusted for weighting) unless otherwise noted*
Interest and Engagement
Q1. Are you registered to vote in the state of Texas?
1. Yes, registered

100%

Q2. Generally speaking, would you say that you are extremely interested in politics and public
affairs, somewhat interested, not very interested, or not at all interested?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Extremely interested
Somewhat interested
Not very interested
Not at all interested
Dont know

50%
37
9
3
1

Q3B. There are many elections in the state of Texas. Furthermore, many people intend to vote
in a given election, but sometimes personal and professional circumstances keep them from the
polls. Thinking back over the past two or three years, would you say that you voted in all
elections, almost all, about half, one or two, or none at all?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Every election
Almost every election
About half
One or two
None
Dont know

32%
36
10
10
10
1

Q3A. Did you vote in any of the following recent elections? [GRID WITH RESPONSE
OPTIONS: Yes, voted, No, Dont remember]

2014 General Election

2014 Democratic or Republican Primary Election
2012 General Election
2012 Democratic or Republican Primary Election

Yes

No

74
63
74
62

20
29
18
29

Dont
Remember
7
7
8
9

In calculating the margin of error (MOE) for the survey, we provide two calculations, one that
compensates for the relative standard deviation of the weights and one that does not. Without
taking the variance of the weights into account, the margin of error for the full sample is 2.83%.
To compensate for the additional uncertainty from weighting, we apply a multiplier derived from
the coefficient of variation of the weights: sqrt(1+CV^2), where CV=sd(weights)/mean(weights).
For this weight sensitive calculation, the MOE for the full sample is 3.28%.
UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016
Page 1 of 29

[Prior to the beginning of early voting, respondents were not given the option to state
that they had already voted in either the Democratic or Republican Primary.]
Q3C. If the 2016 primary elections for President were held today, would you vote in the
Republican primary, the Democratic primary, wouldnt you vote in either primary, or have you
already voted in the Republican or Democratic Primary?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Would vote in Republican primary

Would vote in Democratic primary
Already voted in Republican primary
Already voted in Democratic primary
Wouldnt vote in a primary
Dont know

43%
37
1
1
8
10

[Q3E was only asked of respondents who indicated that they Would vote in either the
Republican or Democratic Primary]
Q3E. On a 0-10 scale, please rate how likely you are to vote in the upcoming March primary
elections: 10 means you are absolutely certain to vote, 0 means you will definitely NOT vote,
and 5 means you may or may not vote.
1. 0
2. 1
3. 2
4. 3
5. 4
6. 5
7. 6
8. 7
9. 8
10. 9
11. 10
12. Dont know

0%
0
0
0
1
2
2
6
10
11
65
3

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 2 of 29

Most Important Problem

Q4. What would you say is the most important problem facing this country today? [Randomize]
1. The economy
2. National security/terrorism
3. Political corruption/leadership
4. Federal spending/national debt
5. Immigration
6. Income inequality
7. Moral decline
8. Health care
9. Partisan gridlock
10. Gun control/gun violence
11. Unemployment/jobs
12. Border security
13. Education
14. Middle East instability
15. Crime and drugs
16. Environment
17. Police brutality/police militarization
18. Race relations
19. Taxes
20. Gay marriage
21. Social welfare programs
22. Abortion
23. Voting system
24. Energy
25. Gender inequality
26. Gas prices
27. The media
28. Government data collection
29. Housing
30. Afghanistan/Pakistan
31. Foreign trade
32. Russia

14%
11
10
9
8
6
5
4
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 3 of 29

Q5. What would you say is the most important problem facing the State of Texas today?
[Randomize]
1. Immigration
2. Border security
3. Political corruption/leadership
4. Education
5. Declining oil prices
6. The economy
7. Gun control/gun violence
8. Health care
9. Unemployment/jobs
10. Crime and drugs
11. Moral decline
12. Transportation/roads/traffic
13. Redistricting
14. Environment
15. Water supply
16. Social welfare programs
17. State government spending
18. Taxes
19. Gay marriage
20. Abortion
21. State budget cuts
22. Gas prices
23. Insurance rates
24. Voting system
25. Housing
26. The media
27. State courts
28. Police brutality/police militarization
29. Utility rates
30. Energy
31. Electoral fraud
32. Property rights

18%
15
9
7
6
5
5
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 4 of 29

Retrospective Assessments
Q6. How would you rate the job Barack Obama has done as president? Would you say that
you

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015
Feb. 2015
Oct. 2014
June 2014
Feb. 2014
Oct. 2013
June 2013
Feb. 2013
Oct. 2012
May 2012
Feb. 2012
Oct. 2011
May 2011
Feb. 2011
Oct. 2010
Sep. 2010
May 2010
Feb. 2010
Oct. 2009
June 2009
Feb. 2009

Approve
strongly
17
17
17
17
14
17
15
17
19
21
19
17
19
15
20
15
14
13
19
21
21
22
29

Approve
somewhat
23
19
18
20
22
20
19
20
24
18
21
19
20
18
15
21
21
21
16
20
20
21
16

Neither
approve nor
disapprove
9
9
10
9
7
6
9
8
7
6
6
10
5
9
9
8
4
7
6
7
7
11
13

Disapprove
somewhat
8
8
10
8
9
8
11
8
8
7
9
8
6
8
9
9
6
8
8
10
8
11
12

Disapprove
strongly
42
46
45
46
48
48
44
46
42
46
44
46
49
49
46
46
53
50
50
40
44
35
30

Dont Know
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
0
0
0

Q7. How would you rate the job the U.S. Congress is doing? Would you say that you

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015
Feb. 2015
Oct. 2014
June 2014
Feb. 2014
Oct. 2013
June 2013
Feb. 2013
Oct. 2012
May 2012
Feb. 2012
Oct. 2011
May 2011
Feb. 2011
Oct. 2009
June 2009
Feb. 2009

Approve
strongly
2
2
2
3
2
3
3
2
2
3
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
2
4

Approve
somewhat
10
8
13
17
12
8
8
6
10
11
10
9
10
9
15
17
12
18
22

Neither
approve nor
disapprove
17
17
21
19
13
15
15
12
16
12
18
15
14
10
20
19
11
22
22

Disapprove
somewhat
24
25
26
24
30
24
23
21
23
23
26
23
26
26
27
26
22
22
15

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 5 of 29

Disapprove
strongly
43
46
36
34
41
48
49
56
46
48
43
48
47
51
35
33
49
36
37

Dont Know
4
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
3
3
2
2
3
4
4
0
0

Q8A. How would you rate the job Greg Abbott has done as governor? Would you say that you

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015

Approve
strongly
18
20
22

Approve
somewhat
23
22
24

Neither
approve nor
disapprove
24
21
28

Disapprove
somewhat
9
10
8

Disapprove
strongly
20
19
16

Dont Know
6
7
15

Q8B. How would you rate the job Dan Patrick has done as lieutenant governor? Would you say
that you

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015

Approve
strongly
8
10
13

Approve
somewhat
19
19
19

Neither
approve nor
disapprove
30
28
28

Disapprove
somewhat
7
9
8

Disapprove
strongly
20
17
16

Dont Know
16
16
15

Q8C. How would you rate the job Joe Straus has done as Speaker of the Texas House of
Representatives? Would you say that you

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015

Approve
strongly
4
4

Approve
somewhat
16
16

Neither
approve nor
disapprove
35
32

Disapprove
somewhat
7
8

Disapprove
strongly
13
14

Dont Know
25
25

Q9A. How would you rate the job Ted Cruz has done as U.S. Senator? Would you say that
you

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015

Approve
strongly
18
27

Approve
somewhat
19
17

Neither
approve nor
disapprove
15
11

Disapprove
somewhat
10
9

Disapprove
strongly
32
28

Dont Know
6
9

Q9B. How would you rate the job John Cornyn has done as U.S. Senator? Would you say that
you

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015

Approve
strongly
7
7

Approve
somewhat
20
20

Neither
approve nor
disapprove
26
22

Disapprove
somewhat
14
16

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 6 of 29

Disapprove
strongly
18
18

Dont Know
15
16

Q10. Thinking about the country, do you think that things are headed in the right direction, or do
you think that things are headed off on the wrong track?
Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015
Feb. 2015
Oct. 2014
June 2014
Feb. 2014
Oct. 2013
June 2013
Feb. 2013
Oct. 2012
May 2012
Feb. 2012
Oct. 2011
May 2011
Feb. 2011
Oct. 2010
Sep. 2010
May 2010
Feb. 2010
Oct. 2009

Right Track
22
22
23
26
25
23
25
20
28
29
31
25
28
14
24
26
25
26
27
31
35

Wrong
Track
66
68
64
59
65
65
63
69
60
62
58
61
61
75
63
59
64
63
62
56
59

Dont Know
12
10
14
15
10
13
12
11
11
9
11
14
11
11
14
15
11
12
11
13
10

Q11. Compared to a year ago, would you say that the national economy is a lot better off,
somewhat better off, about the same, somewhat worse off, or a lot worse off?

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015
Feb. 2015
Oct. 2014
June 2014
Feb. 2014
Oct. 2013
June 2013
Oct. 2012
May 2012
Feb. 2012
Oct. 2011
May 2011
Feb. 2011
Oct. 2010
Sep. 2010
May 2010
Feb. 2010
Oct. 2009

A lot better
off
8
7
7
11
6
7
5
5
7
7
4
4
2
2
3
3
3
5
3
5

Somewhat
better off
22
25
24
25
25
24
24
20
28
25
24
25
12
20
24
19
20
23
25
19

About the
same
27
28
33
33
30
26
28
25
31
25
29
30
25
26
30
20
21
24
19
16

Somewhat
worse off
25
23
21
18
23
25
23
25
18
19
20
19
28
24
24
23
20
15
23
23

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 7 of 29

A lot worse
off
15
14
13
11
14
16
17
24
15
23
19
20
31
25
17
33
34
32
29
36

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
4
2
2
3
2
3
2
1
1
1

Q12. Thinking about the State of Texas, do you think that things are headed in the right
direction, or do you think that things are headed off on the wrong track?
Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015
Feb. 2015
Oct. 2014
June 2014
Feb. 2014
Oct. 2013
June 2013
Feb. 2013
Oct. 2012
May 2012
Feb. 2012
Oct. 2011
May 2011
Feb. 2011
Oct. 2010
Sep. 2010
May 2010
Feb. 2010
Oct. 2009

Right Track
42
45
50
50
48
49
45
42
50
45
43
38
43
39
36
41
45
43
45
43
38

Wrong
Track
37
36
32
30
35
33
35
39
32
39
34
42
38
43
48
41
37
38
38
37
39

Dont Know
21
19
18
20
18
17
20
19
18
16
23
21
19
18
16
18
18
18
17
20
23

Q13. Compared to a year ago, would you say that you and your family are economically a lot
better off, somewhat better off, about the same, somewhat worse off, or a lot worse off?

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015
Feb. 2015
Oct. 2014
June 2014
Feb. 2014
Oct. 2013
June 2013
Oct. 2012
May 2012
Feb. 2012
Oct. 2011
May 2011
Feb. 2011
Oct. 2010
Sep. 2010
May 2010
Feb. 2010
Oct. 2009

A lot better
off
5
5
5
6
5
6
5
5
6
6
4
4
3
2
3
3
3
4
3
3

Somewhat
better off
20
18
21
21
22
21
20
17
19
17
15
16
13
16
17
16
17
16
14
14

About the
same
45
45
48
44
42
42
43
41
44
43
48
45
40
40
45
38
39
42
41
39

Somewhat
worse off
19
23
17
21
23
21
22
23
23
23
19
23
28
25
24
27
26
25
29
27

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 8 of 29

A lot worse
off
9
7
7
7
7
8
9
12
7
11
13
11
15
16
11
14
14
13
12
16

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
2
1
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
1

Q14. Compared to a year ago, would you say that the Texas economy is a lot better off,
somewhat better off, about the same, somewhat worse off, or a lot worse off?

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015
Feb. 2015
Oct. 2014
Oct. 2012

A lot better
off
4
4
5
6
9
4

Somewhat
better off
22
25
28
26
32
21

About the
same
41
41
44
47
40
51

Somewhat
worse off
23
20
14
14
12
16

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 9 of 29

A lot worse
off
5
5
4
3
4
5

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
4
5
4
4
3
3

Political Figures and Elections

[For Q15 and Q16, respondents who had not yet voted were asked the questions as
presented. If a respondent indicated that they hadnt thought about it enough to have an
opinion, they received a follow-up questions: If you had to make a choice, who would
you choose? For those who indicated that they had already voted in the Democratic or
Republican Primary, the question prompt was as follows: In the 2016
Republican/Democratic primary election for president, which of the following candidates
did you vote for? Among respondents who had already voted, if they refused to provide
their vote choice, they were asked again with the following prompt: We would like to
include your response to this question, which will be kept absolutely confidential, with
the responses of several hundred other Texans like you and asked again for whom they
had voted. Finally, for Q15A and Q16A, respondents were determined to be likely voters
if they indicated that they are Extremely or Somewhat interested in politics and
public affairs on Q2 AND indicated that they vote in Every or Almost every election in
Q3B.]
Q15. If the 2016 Republican primary election for president were held today, which of the
following candidates would you vote for? [Randomize 1-13]
(n=526; MOE is +/- 4.27%; MOE is +/- 4.92% when adjusted for weighting)
1. Ted Cruz
2. Donald J. Trump
3. Marco Rubio
4. Jeb Bush
5. John R. Kasich
6. Ben Carson
7. Rand Paul
8. Carly Fiorina
9. Rick Santorum
10. Elizabeth Gray
11. Lindsey Graham
12. Mike Huckabee
13. Chris Christie

34%
31
14
7
5
6
2
1
0
1
0
1
0

Q15A. Among likely Republican primary voters

(n=407, MOE is +/- 4.86%; MOE is +/- 5.05% when adjusted for weighting)
14. Ted Cruz
15. Donald J. Trump
16. Marco Rubio
17. Jeb Bush
18. John R. Kasich
19. Ben Carson
20. Rand Paul
21. Carly Fiorina
22. Rick Santorum
23. Elizabeth Gray
24. Lindsey Graham
25. Mike Huckabee
26. Chris Christie

37%
29
15
6
5
4
2
1
1
1
0
0
0

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 10 of 29

Q16. [ASK IF Q3C OR Q3D EQ 2] If the 2016 Democratic primary election for president were
held today, which of the following candidates would you vote for? [Randomize 1-8]
(n=460; MOE is +/- 4.57%; MOE is +/- 5.83% when adjusted for weighting)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Hillary Clinton
Bernie Sanders
Martin J. O'Malley
Roque "Rocky" De La Fuente
Willie L. Wilson
Star Locke
Keith Judd
Calvis L. Hawes

57%
40
1
2
1
0
0
0

Q16A. Among likely Democratic primary voters

(n=324, MOE is +/- 5.44%; MOE is +/- 5.99% when adjusted for weighting)
9. Hillary Clinton
10. Bernie Sanders
11. Martin J. O'Malley
12. Roque "Rocky" De La Fuente
13. Willie L. Wilson
14. Star Locke
15. Keith Judd
16. Calvis L. Hawes

54%
44
1
1
1
0
0
0

[Q17 was only asked of respondents who indicated that they hadnt yet voted in the
Democratic or Republican Primary, but intended to vote in one or the other.]
Q17. You said that you would vote for [INSERT RESPONSE FROM Q15 OR Q16], how certain
are you about this choice?
Among likely primary voters
(n=731, MOE is +/- 3.62%; MOE is +/- 4.65% when adjusted for weighting)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Extremely certain
Somewhat certain
Not very certain
Not at all certain

60%
34
4
1

Extremely certain
Bush voters
Cruz voters
Trump voters
Rubio voters
Kasich voters
Carson voters
Clinton voters
Sanders voters

22
67
68
41
27
29
69
62

Somewhat
certain
43
30
29
49
68
50
29
33

Not very certain

Not at all certain

24
3
2
10
5
21
2
3

11
0
1
0
0
0
0
2

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 11 of 29

Q18. Suppose the Tea Party movement organized itself as a political party. When thinking
about the next election for Congress, would you vote for [Randomize] the Republican
candidate from your district, the Democratic candidate from your district, or the Tea Party
candidate from your district? [Randomize 1-2]
1.
2.
3.
4.

Republican candidate
Democratic candidate
Tea Party candidate
Dont know

22%
36
12
29

Q19. Do you think the Tea Party movement has too much influence, too little influence, or the
right amount of influence in the Republican Party?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Too much influence

Too little influence
The right amount of influence
Dont know

33%
23
17
27

[RANDOMIZE Q20-Q24]
Q20. Please tell us whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neither favorable
nor unfavorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of Ted Cruz.

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
June 2015
Feb. 2015
Oct. 2014
June 2014
Feb. 2014
Oct. 2013
June 2013

Very
Favorable
16
25
22
26
26
29
29
23
26

Somewhat
Favorable
20
16
18
15
18
17
14
15
14

Neither
Favorable
nor
Unfavorable
13
12
15
12
11
10
10
14
13

Somewhat
Unfavorable
11
9
8
8
8
6
8
6
7

Very
Unfavorable
37
29
29
28
28
28
29
31
24

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
5
8
7
10
8
11
10
10
17

Q21. Please tell us whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neither favorable
nor unfavorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of Donald Trump.

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015

Very
Favorable
13
16

Somewhat
Favorable
16
18

Neither
Favorable
nor
Unfavorable
9
12

Somewhat
Unfavorable
15
12

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 12 of 29

Very
Unfavorable
44
39

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
2
3

Q22. Please tell us whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neither favorable
nor unfavorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of Michael Bloomberg.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Very favorable
Somewhat favorable
Neither favorable nor unfavorable
Somewhat unfavorable
Very unfavorable
Dont know/no opinion

3%
9
26
14
26
22

Q23. Please tell us whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neither favorable
nor unfavorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of Hillary Clinton.

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015

Very
Favorable
15
15

Somewhat
Favorable
18
19

Neither
Favorable
nor
Unfavorable
11
7

Somewhat
Unfavorable
7
9

Very
Unfavorable
46
47

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
7
3

Q24. Please tell us whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neither favorable
nor unfavorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of Bernie Sanders.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Very favorable
Somewhat favorable
Neither favorable nor unfavorable
Somewhat unfavorable
Very unfavorable
Dont know/no opinion

14
20
17
12
31
7

[RANDOMIZE Q25-Q26]
Q25. Please tell us whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neither favorable
nor unfavorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of the Democratic Party.

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015

Very
Favorable
13
12

Somewhat
Favorable
20
20

Neither
Favorable
nor
Unfavorable
14
12

Somewhat
Unfavorable
13
13

Very
Unfavorable
35
39

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
5
4

Q26. Please tell us whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neither favorable
nor unfavorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of the Republican Party.

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015

Very
Favorable
8
8

Somewhat
Favorable
20
22

Neither
Favorable
nor
Unfavorable
16
17

Somewhat
Unfavorable
22
20

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 13 of 29

Very
Unfavorable
30
29

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
5
5

Q27. Please tell us whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neither favorable
nor unfavorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of Planned Parenthood.

Feb. 2016
Nov. 2015
May 2012

Very
Favorable
21
19
27

Somewhat
Favorable
17
15
19

Neither
Favorable
nor
Unfavorable
15
15
16

Somewhat
Unfavorable
9
8
8

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 14 of 29

Very
Unfavorable
33
38
27

Dont
Know/No
Opinion
5
4
4

Q28. On a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 is extremely liberal, 7 is extremely conservative, and 4 is

exactly in the middle, where would you place the following candidates? [RANDOMIZE 1-9]
[Wording on scale: (1) Extremely liberal, (4) In the middle, (7) Extremely
conservative. Include Dont know response option.]
Among likely primary voters:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Mean
4.71
4.63
5.19
4.63
6.21
3.17
5.55
2.41
2.02

Jeb Bush
Donald J. Trump
Marco Rubio
John R. Kasich
Ted Cruz
Michael Bloomberg
Ben Carson
Hillary Clinton
Bernie Sanders

Standard Error
0.06
0.09
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.09
0.06
0.08
0.07

Q29. For each of the following presidential candidates, please tell us whether you think that they
would be a great, good, average, poor, or terrible president: [RANDOMIZE 1-9]

Jeb Bush
Donald J. Trump
Marco Rubio
John R. Kasich
Ted Cruz
Michael Bloomberg
Ben Carson
Hillary Clinton
Bernie Sanders

Great

Good

Average

Poor

Terrible

3
11
5
2
13
2
4
13
11

12
14
17
14
18
8
17
18
17

34
13
30
33
17
25
25
17
20

22
12
20
19
13
17
19
7
11

22
45
17
10
32
27
25
42
33

Dont
know/No
opinion
7
5
11
22
7
22
10
4
8

Among likely primary voters

(n=731, MOE is +/- 3.62%; MOE is +/- 4.65% when adjusted for weighting)

Jeb Bush
Donald J. Trump
Marco Rubio
John R. Kasich
Ted Cruz
Michael Bloomberg
Ben Carson
Hillary Clinton
Bernie Sanders

Great

Good

Average

Poor

Terrible

3
12
6
3
16
3
4
14
12

15
17
19
17
20
9
19
16
18

32
13
30
36
15
26
26
13
17

26
13
20
20
10
17
18
7
10

22
42
18
11
36
33
28
49
39

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 15 of 29

Dont
know/No
opinion
2
3
5
13
3
13
5
1
4

Q30A. [ASK IF Q3C EQ 1 OR Q3D EQ 1 OR 3] When voting in the Texas Primary Election for
president, which of the following is most important to you, picking a candidate who
will[RANDOMIZE 1-9]
Among likely Republican primary voters:
(n=407, MOE is +/- 4.86%; MOE is +/- 5.05% when adjusted for weighting)

Give the Republican

Party a good chance
to win in November
Shake up politics-asusual
Fight terrorism
Defend my faith and
religious values
Work to guarantee
equal rights for all
groups in society
Reform immigration
policy
Improve the American
economy
Address economic
inequality in the
country
Improve Americas
standing in the world

Overall

Cruz Supporters

Trump
Supporters

Rubio
Supporters

20

20

13

36

15

18

19

10

13

10

14

12

20

16

21

19

27

21

12

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 16 of 29

Q30B. [ASK IF Q3C EQ 2 OR Q3D EQ 2 OR 4] When voting in the Texas Primary Election for
president, which of the following is most important to you, picking a candidate who
will[RANDOMIZE 1-9]
Among likely Democratic primary voters:
(n=324, MOE is +/- 5.44%; MOE is +/- 5.99% when adjusted for weighting)
Give the Democratic
Party a good chance
to win in November
Shake up politics-asusual
Fight terrorism
Defend my faith and
religious values
Work to guarantee
equal rights for all
groups in society
Reform immigration
policy
Improve the American
economy
Address economic
inequality in the
country
Improve Americas
standing in the world

Overall

Clinton Supporters

Sanders Supporters

23

32

13

16

14

16

12

10

18

23

13

14

22

Q31. In general, in the face of political or policy conflicts, is it more important for government
officials to compromise or to stand on principle?
1. Compromise
2. Stand on principle

52%
48

Policy Questions
Q32. Which of the following poses the greatest threat to the United States? [RANDOMIZE 1-9]
1. Foreign terrorist groups (e.g. ISIS, Al Qaeda)
2. Illegal immigration
3. Polarization/Intractable partisan conflict
4. Decaying American infrastructure
5. Gun violence/Mass shootings
6. Unfriendly foreign nations (e.g. Russia, Iran, China)
7. Racial tensions
8. Climate change
9. Computer network vulnerabilities
10. Other
11. Dont know/no opinion

Feb. 2016
25
17
13
9
8
7
6
5
2
4
6

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 17 of 29

Nov. 2015
18
22
12
10
9
8
6
5
2
6
3

Q33. Do you think that income inequality in the U.S. is a major problem, a minor problem, or not
a problem?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Major problem
Minor problem
Not a problem
Dont know/No opinion

44%
30
19
8

Q34. When it comes to reducing income inequality between the rich and poor, do you want to
see the government
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

More involved than it currently is

As involved as it currently is
Less involved than it currently is
Not involved in this issue
Dont know/No opinion

37%
12
15
25
11

Q35. Do you support or oppose requiring criminal and mental health background checks on all
gun purchases in the United States, including at gun shows and for private sales?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Dont know

54%
24
8
9
4

Q36. As you may know, as of January 1st, Texans with a Concealed Carry License may now
visibly carry holstered handguns in public. In general, does this make you feel more safe, less
safe, or does it have no effect on your feelings of safety?
1.
2.
3.
4.

More safe
Less safe
No effect
Dont know/No opinion

22%
37
34
8

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 18 of 29

[ROTATE 37A AND 37B]

Q37A. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Newcomers from other countries
enrich Texas with their hard work and values.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
Dont know/No opinion

18%
35
18
16
13

Q37B. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Undocumented immigrants
currently living in the United States should be deported immediately.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
Dont know/No opinion

30%
23
18
23
5

Q38. In so-called "sanctuary cities," local law enforcement officials do not actively enforce some
federal immigration laws. Do you approve or disapprove of city governments that choose not to
enforce some immigration laws?
1. Approve of sanctuary cities
2. Disapprove of sanctuary cities
3. Don't know/No opinion

21%
59
21

Q39. How much have you heard about declining oil prices?
1.
2.
3.
4.

A lot
Some
Not very much
Nothing at all

54%
32
10
4

Q39A. [ASK IF Q39 EQ 1-3] Based on what you have heard, how concerned are you about the
effect that declining oil prices could have on Texass economy?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Very concerned
Somewhat concerned
Not very concerned
Not at all concerned
Dont know/No opinion

24%
38
23
9
6

Q40. Would you approve or disapprove of Texas accepting refugees from Syria who have gone
through a security clearance process?
1. Approve
2. Disapprove
3. Dont know/No opinion

36%
51
13

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 19 of 29

Q41. If some of these Syrian refugees came to live in your community, do you think they would
be welcomed, or not?
1. Yes, welcomed
2. No, not welcomed
3. Dont know/No opinion

28%
42
30

Q42. Would you support or oppose banning Muslims who are not U.S. citizens from entering the
United States?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Dont know

26%
20
19
22
13

Q43. As you may know, the federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 an hour. Do you favor or
oppose increasing the minimum wage?
1. Favor
2. Oppose
3. Dont know/No opinion

62%
27
11

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 20 of 29

Political Knowledge
[Randomize INFO1-INFO4]
INFO1. Which political party holds the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Republican Party
Democratic Party
Neither
Dont know

75%
10
2
12

INFO2. What majority of both houses of the U.S. Congress is needed to override a presidential
veto?
1.
2.
3.
4.

More than one-half

More than two-thirds
More than three-fourths
Dont know

6%
711
11
12

INFO3. Who is the current Attorney General of the state of Texas?

1.
2.
3.
4.

Glenn Hegar
George P. Bush
Ken Paxton
Sid Miller

11%
5
79
5

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 21 of 29

Political Orientation
Were almost done. Now we just have a few basic questions for statistical purposes.
LIBCON. On a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 is extremely liberal, 7 is extremely conservative, and 4
is exactly in the middle, where would you place yourself? [Wording on scale: (1) Extremely
liberal, (4) In the middle, (7) Extremely conservative]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Extremely liberal
Somewhat liberal
Lean liberal
In the middle
Lean conservative
Somewhat conservative
Extremely conservative

4%
7
6
39
11
20
12

PID3. Generally speaking, would you say that you usually think of yourself as a
1. Democrat
2. Independent
3. Republican

44%
14
42

PID7. (Uses the four PID3 follow-up questions)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Strong Democrat
Not very strong Democrat
Lean Democrat
Independent
Lean Republican
Not very strong Republican
Strong Republican

20%
14
11
14
12
11
19

Demographics
AGE. Please indicate your age group.
1.
2.
3.
4.

18-29
30-44
45-64
65 and up

15%
29
38
18

LOCATE. Would you say that you live in an urban, suburban, or rural community?
1. Urban
2. Suburban
3. Rural

30%
52
19

METRO. Do you live in the Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, or Austin metropolitan
areas?
1. Yes, I live in the Houston area.

21%

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 22 of 29

2.
3.
4.
5.

Yes, I live the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Yes, I live in the San Antonio area
Yes, I live in the Austin area
No, I live in another part of Texas.

27
11
11
30

CHILD. How many children are currently living with you?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

One
Two
Three
Four or more
None

17%
14
5
2
61

SCHOOL. Do you have any children currently enrolled in school in Texas? (check all that
apply)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Yes, I have a child/children under 18 enrolled in public school in Texas.

23%
Yes, I have a child/children under 18 enrolled in private school in Texas.
3
Yes, I have a child/children under 18 who are being home schooled in Texas. 2
No, I do not have any children under 18 in school in Texas.
73

INCOME. In which category would you place your household income last year?
1. Less than $10,000
2. $10,000 to $19,999
3. $20,000 to $29,999
4. $30,000 to $39,999
5. $40,000 to $49,999
6. $50,000 to $59,999
7. $60,000 to $69,999
8. $70,000 to $79,999
9. $80,000 to $99,999
10. $100,000 to $119,999
11. $120,000 to $149,999
12. More than $150,000
13. Prefer not to say

6%
9
10
12
9
9
8
6
6
4
5
5
11

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 23 of 29

AB. Generally speaking, do you consider yourself to be pro-life, pro-choice, or neither?

1.
2.
3.
4.

Pro-life
Pro-choice
Neither
Dont know

43%
40
13
5

EDU. What is the highest level of education that you received?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Less than high school

High school degree
Some college
Two-year college degree
Four-year college degree
Post-graduate degree

10%
24
28
9
20
9

ONEDU. These days many colleges and universities offer courses online. Have you ever taken
a course online?
1. Yes
2. No

29%
71

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 24 of 29

RELIG1. What is your primary religious affiliation, if any? [No open response on other]
1. Agnostic
2. Assembly of God*
3. Atheist
4. Baptist*
5. Born again
6. Buddhist
7. Catholic*
8. Christian Scientist*
9. Church of Christ*
10. Church of God*
11. Disciples of Christ*
12. Episcopal/Anglican*
13. Evangelical
14. Hindu
15. Jehovahs Witnesses
16. Jewish
17. Lutheran*
18. Methodist*
19. Mormon*
20. Muslim/Islam
21. Nondenominational Christian*
22. Orthodox/Eastern Orthodox*
23. Pentecostal/charismatic/spirit-filled*
24. Presbyterian*
25. Protestant (non-specific)*
26. Reformed*
27. Unitarian/Universalist*
28. United Church of Christ*
29. Religious but not spiritual
30. Spiritual but not religious
31. No religious affiliation/none
32. Other*
33. Dont know

5%
1
1
16
2
1
22
1
3
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
2
5
1
1
7
0
1
1
3
0
0
1
1
5
9
3
1

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 25 of 29

RELIG2. What is your secondary religious affiliation, if any? [No open response on other]
1. Agnostic
2. Assembly of God*
3. Atheist
4. Baptist*
5. Born again
6. Buddhist
7. Catholic*
8. Christian Scientist*
9. Church of Christ*
10. Church of God*
11. Disciples of Christ*
12. Episcopal/Anglican*
13. Evangelical
14. Hindu
15. Jehovahs Witnesses
16. Jewish
17. Lutheran*
18. Methodist*
19. Mormon*
20. Muslim/Islam
21. Nondenominational Christian*
22. Orthodox/Eastern Orthodox*
23. Pentecostal/charismatic/spirit-filled*
24. Presbyterian*
25. Protestant (non-specific)*
26. Reformed*
27. Unitarian/Universalist*
28. United Church of Christ*
29. Religious but not spiritual
30. Spiritual but not religious
31. No religious affiliation/none
32. Other*
33. Dont know

2%
1
1
6
6
1
3
0
3
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
3
0
0
4
0
1
0
4
0
0
0
1
8
32
4
12

LITERAL. Which of these statements comes closest to describing your feelings about the Bible?
1. The Bible is the actual word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word. 30%
2. The Bible is the word of God but not everything in it should be taken literally, word for

word.
3. The Bible is a book written by men and is not the word of God.
4. Dont know.

IMPORT. How important is religion in your life?

1.
2.
3.
4.

Extremely important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important

47%
28
12
14

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 26 of 29

43
21
6

ATTEND. Aside from weddings and funerals, how often do you attend religious services or
participate in religious activities?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

More than once a week

Once a week
A few times a month
Once or twice a year
Never

13%
21
12
26
28

RACE1. What race do you consider yourself to be?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

White
African American
Hispanic or Latino
Asian/Pacific Islander
Native American
Multi-racial

60%
13
22
1
1
3

RACE2. [Ask if RACE ~= Hispanic or Latino] Do you happen to have a Hispanic-Latino

grandparent?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Dont know

1%
99
1

NATIVE1. [Ask if RACE = Hispanic or Latino] Were you born in the United States or Puerto
Rico, or in another country?
1. Born in the United States or Puerto Rico
2. Born in another country
3. Dont know

84%
16
0

NATIVE2. [Ask NATIVE2 if answer 1 on NATIVE1] Were your parents born in the United
States or Puerto Rico, or another country?
1. Both of my parents were born in the United States or Puerto Rico
2. One of my parents was born in another country
3. Both of my parents were both in another country
MOVE. Did you move to Texas from some other state?
1. Yes
2. No

39%
61

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 27 of 29

59%
25
16

STATE. [ASK IF MOVE=1] Which state did you move from (most recently)? [DROPDOWN
LIST OF STATES]
1. Alabama
2%
2. Alaska
0
3. Arizona
3
4. Arkansas
1
5. California
13
6. Colorado
2
7. Connecticut
0
8. Florida
4
9. Georgia
2
10. Hawaii
0
11. Idaho
0
12. Illinois
4
13. Indiana
3
14. Iowa
2
15. Kansas
2
16. Kentucky
1
17. Louisiana
7
18. Maine
1
19. Maryland
2
20. Massachusetts
2
21. Michigan
4
22. Minnesota
2
23. Mississippi
1
24. Missouri
3
25. Montana
1
26. Nebraska
2
27. Nevada
0
28. New Hampshire
1
29. New Jersey
2
30. New Mexico
3
31. New York
6
32. North Carolina
2
33. Ohio
3
34. Oklahoma
3
35. Oregon
1
36. Pennsylvania
3
37. South Carolina
0
38. South Dakota
0
39. Tennessee
0
40. Texas
3
41. Utah
1
42. Virginia
3
43. Washington
1
44. West Virginia
0
45. Wisconsin
1
46. Wyoming
0
47. Ontario
0
48. Not in the U.S. or
Canada
2
UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016
Page 28 of 29

HOME. Do you own or rent your home?

1. Own
2. Rent

68%
32

MARITAL. What is your marital status?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Married
Separated
Divorced
Widowed
Single
Domestic Partnership

54%
2
11
4
24
5

GENDER. What is your gender?

1. Male
2. Female

44%
56

UT-Austin/Texas Tribune Texas Statewide Survey, February 2016

Page 29 of 29