Top Trump Pollsters, McLaughlin & Associates, Survey Shows
Nearly 4 in 5 Texans Back Regulated Hemp Sales Following Abbott Veto
AUSTIN, Texas – A new statewide poll conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, one of President Trump’s top polling firms, reveals Texas voters overwhelmingly support continuing legal hemp-derived products with commonsense safety regulations. The survey found 79% of likely voters support regulated hemp-derived sales, while only 13% oppose – a decisive +66-point margin – and support has grown nearly 10% since Governor Abbot vetoed SB3 when the last public poll was released.
Following the Legislature’s attempt to ban consumable hemp products and Gov. Abbott’s subsequent veto, the polling data exposes a stark disconnect between Texas Legislative leadership and Texas voters. Polling clearly shows Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Texas Legislature are directly defying the will of the vast majority of Texans who want hemp-derived products to remain legal with common-sense regulations.
The poll also shows a broad bipartisan coalition supporting hemp-derived products – across all party lines, with Republicans at 75%, Democrats at 81%, and Independents at 82%. Even within the conservative base, support remains strong, with results including: Trump voters (76%), conservatives (75%), Evangelicals (74%), regular churchgoers (71%), and seniors (78%).
“This has become a bipartisan issue of personal liberty that all Texans are rallying behind, and any legislator who ignores voters does so at their own political peril. This is something that Governor Abbott understands, which is why he vetoed SB3 and called on legislators to put forth common-sense regulations to protect children, not another ban with a different bill number,” said HIFA Executive Director Brian Swensen. “The prohibition of hemp cultivation, processing, and selling of consumable products in Texas represents a significant government overreach that restricts farmers’ agricultural freedom and limits economic opportunities for over 60,000 people employed by the industry, despite hemp being federally legal. A vote for SB 5/HB5 infringes upon Texans’ rights to pursue agricultural enterprise and contradicts the state’s traditionally strong stance on limited government.”
The poll reveals serious electoral consequences for lawmakers opposing voter preferences. A majority (62%) would be more likely to vote for candidates supporting regulated hemp, while 56% would vote against those backing bans. Republicans show 52% support versus just 14% opposition for pro-hemp candidates.
The McLaughlin & Associates poll surveyed 600 likely Texas voters July 24-27, 2025, with a ±4.0% margin of error.
About McLaughlin & Associates: McLaughlin & Associates is a national survey research and strategic services company that has conducted polling for Republican candidates and conservative causes, including serving as a top polling firm for Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns.
About Hemp Industry & Farmers of America (HIFA): HIFA is a nonpartisan coalition of hemp industry advocates representing the interests of all sectors – from farmers, veterans, and manufacturers to retail stores.
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