Crockett Brings Senate Campaign to UT Austin as Primary Nears End

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett spoke at the University of Texas at Austin as her Senate primary race enters final weeks.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, spoke at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday night as part of the LBJ School's 'Conversations with Evan Smith' series. Crockett's appearance comes as her primary race against State Representative James Talarico enters its final weeks, with early voting already underway.

Why it matters

The Senate primary race between Crockett and Talarico has drawn national attention, particularly after Talarico's recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The candidates' differing views on issues like government overreach and media bias have become central themes in the campaign.

The details

During her appearance at UT Austin, Crockett emphasized the need for 'real leadership' that 'recognizes and sees everyone.' She also expressed concerns about the current administration's efforts to 'control who says what, when, and how.' Talarico, meanwhile, has criticized 'cancel culture' and attempts to 'control what we watch, what we read, what we learn about the world.'

  • Early voting is currently underway in the Senate primary.
  • Election Day is set for March 3, 2026.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

A U.S. Congresswoman and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.

James Talarico

A State Representative and Crockett's opponent in the Democratic Senate primary.

Brendan Carr

The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

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What they’re saying

“Our country is in need of not only real leadership, but leadership that recognizes and sees everyone.”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Congresswoman (cbsaustin.com)

“I think that this primary will come down to philosophies. I do.”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Congresswoman (cbsaustin.com)

“Yesterday was a perfect encapsulation of why the American people have more trust in gas station sushi than they do in the national news media.”

— Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman (cbsaustin.com)

What’s next

Early voting is currently underway, with Election Day set for March 3, 2026.

The takeaway

The Senate primary race between Crockett and Talarico has become a battleground for differing views on issues like government overreach and media bias, highlighting the philosophical divide within the Democratic party as the election approaches.