Texas Democrats Face Key Primary Choice: Talarico vs Crockett

Candidates offer contrasting strategies in fight for U.S. Senate seat

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Texas Democrats are gearing up to choose their nominee for the U.S. Senate, with state Rep. James Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett vying for the party's nod. Talarico is campaigning on a message of fighting a 'corrupt system' and appealing to a broad coalition, while Crockett is directly targeting former President Donald Trump in an effort to energize the Democratic base.

Why it matters

The outcome of the primary election is expected to signal the direction the Texas Democratic Party will take in its pursuit of a statewide victory. Talarico's approach suggests a belief that appealing to moderate voters is key, while Crockett's strategy prioritizes energizing the Democratic base through a more confrontational stance against Trump and Republicans.

The details

Talarico has clashed with the Trump administration and recently raised $2.5 million after claiming the Trump administration interfered with the airing of an interview he did with Stephen Colbert. He is focusing his campaign on fighting a 'broken, corrupt political system' that favors the wealthy, arguing the core issue isn't left versus right but 'top versus bottom.' Crockett, meanwhile, has directly targeted Trump in her campaign messaging and on the airwaves, believing this approach will energize Democratic voters. She launched her campaign with a direct address to the former president and has gained national recognition for her public confrontations with Trump and other Republicans.

  • The primary election is scheduled for next week.

The players

James Talarico

A state representative in Texas who is running for the U.S. Senate, focusing his campaign on fighting a 'corrupt system' and appealing to a broad coalition of voters.

Jasmine Crockett

A state representative in Texas who is also running for the U.S. Senate, with a campaign strategy that directly targets former President Donald Trump in an effort to energize the Democratic base.

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What they’re saying

“My job is to tell the truth and be myself. If that message resonates with voters, I'll win the primary and general election.”

— James Talarico (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The primary election is scheduled for next week, and the outcome is expected to signal the direction the Texas Democratic Party will take in its pursuit of a statewide victory.

The takeaway

The contrasting strategies of Talarico and Crockett reflect a broader debate within the Democratic Party about how to regain ground after recent electoral losses in Texas. Talarico's approach suggests a belief that appealing to moderate voters is key, while Crockett's strategy prioritizes energizing the Democratic base through a more confrontational stance against Trump and Republicans.