Welcome to the Barbara Jordan Policy Research and Survey Center
Advancing Research, Inspiring Change – Honoring Barbara Jordan’s Legacy
Final Stretch: New Barbara Jordan Center Poll Shows Close Races at the Top of the Texas Ballot
A new Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center survey of 2,000 Texas likely voters, fielded October 21–25, finds the U.S. Senate race within the margin of error. Democrat James Talarico (49%) leads Republican Ken Paxton (47%). In the governor’s race, Republican Greg Abbott (50%) leads Democrat Gina Hinojosa (47%). Republican candidates lead the other six statewide races by 1 to 6 points, but many of those candidates are still unknown to most voters.
A District Trump Won by 18 Is Now Competitive: New TX-15 Survey Results
This survey examines vote intention and candidate favorability in the November 2026 race for Texas’s 15th Congressional District, along with the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial contests among district voters. Results show the Democratic challenger leading the Republican incumbent, with statewide races running far closer than the district’s recent election history, while a majority of voters report being worse off economically than a year ago. The findings show how geography, economic concerns, and views of President Trump are shaping a competitive South Texas seat.
Our approach
At the Barbara Jordan Policy Research and Survey Center located at Texas Southern University (TSU), we are dedicated to advancing research that addresses pressing urban challenges. As a beacon of interdisciplinary collaboration, our center empowers students and faculty to develop innovative, real-world solutions while honoring the legacy of Barbara Jordan—an advocate for justice, accountability, and civic engagement.
On-Campus and Virtual Access
Located at Texas Southern University, the Barbara Jordan Policy and Survey Research Center offers both in-person and virtual engagement for seamless access to research and collaboration.
Research & Engagement
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Internships
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Policy Research
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Survey Research
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Volunteer
A Message from the Director
Welcome to the Barbara Jordan Policy Research and Survey Center. Our mission is to carry forward Barbara Jordan’s legacy of service, scholarship, and social justice by producing research that not only examines pressing urban challenges but also informs meaningful solutions.
At Texas Southern University, we are uniquely positioned to blend academic rigor with community engagement, ensuring that our work reflects both scholarly excellence and lived realities. Through mentorship, immersive research experiences, and a commitment to equity, we are preparing the next generation of leaders to confront complex issues with clarity, courage, and compassion.
I invite you to explore our work, engage with our findings, and join us in advancing knowledge that strengthens communities and promotes justice for all.
“Strong research starts with true representation. By oversampling Black and Brown communities in Texas, we empower students and faculty to lead meaningful survey research that can inform policy, uplift communities, and drive change.”
— MICHAEL O. ADAMS, PHD., DIRECTOR
