Federal, state leaders see lower approval ratings in new Missouri poll

News Clipcolumbiatribune.com·MO·9/10/2026

A new statewide poll in Missouri indicates a significant increase in public opposition to data centers within local communities. The survey found that 68% of Missouri voters now oppose data centers in their area, marking a 17% rise since February. This sentiment was part of a broader poll gauging views on political leaders and various ballot issues.

oppositiongovernment
Gov: President Donald Trump, U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley, Eric Schmitt, United States Congress, United States Supreme Court, Gov. Mike Kehoe, Missouri State Legislature, State Auditor of Missouri

A recent statewide poll conducted by Saint Louis University and YouGov reveals a significant increase in opposition to data centers among Missouri voters. The survey, which polled 900 likely Missouri voters from August 13 to August 24, found that 68% now oppose data centers in their local community, a 17% rise from 51% in February. Steve Rogers, poll director and political scientist at SLU, highlighted data centers as a 'hot-button issue' for the state, with respondents expressing strong feelings about their presence in their own communities.

The survey also covered approval ratings for various political figures and bodies, showing declines for President Donald Trump, U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, the United States Congress, the United States Supreme Court, Gov. Mike Kehoe, and the Missouri State Legislature. Additionally, the poll gauged voter sentiment on ballot measures, including Amendment 3 regarding abortion, Amendment 6 on legislative changes to voter-approved initiatives, and Proposition A concerning Missouri's gerrymandered congressional map.