Kamala Harris Backs Crockett in Tight Texas Senate Primary

Former VP's endorsement of progressive Crockett sparks debate over Democratic strategy in red state

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris has endorsed U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for the Texas Senate seat, recording a robocall urging voters to back the Dallas congresswoman. Harris' intervention has injected late momentum and online jabs into an already closely watched primary that Democrats view as an early test of messaging and turnout in a Republican-leaning state.

Why it matters

Texas' Democratic Senate primary is the first marquee contest of the 2026 midterms, and Harris' endorsement of the progressive Crockett underscores a strategic divide inside the party between her anti-Trump approach and the potential crossover appeal of her moderate opponent, state Representative James Talarico.

The details

According to reports, Harris recorded a robocall sent to Democrats in Texas, saying 'Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate' and urging people to vote. Crockett, a second-term member of Congress, has cultivated a noticeable progressive style in Washington, while Talarico, a state legislator and Presbyterian seminarian, has potential appeal to moderate Republicans.

  • The Texas Democratic Senate primary is set for Tuesday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States.

Jasmine Crockett

U.S. Representative for Texas's 30th congressional district and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

James Talarico

Texas state Representative and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

Ted Cruz

Republican U.S. Senator for Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Birds of a feather....”

— Ted Cruz (X)

“Congrats to Talarico for this amazing gift! Kamala Harris definitely still has the stench of defeat on her and makes Talarico look like the outsider pick challenging the establishment”

— Deep Singh Badhesha, Attorney and policy advocate (X)

“Harris's endorsement of Crockett is a bold, high stakes move. It fires up the progressive base, capitalizes on Crockett's national profile, and could unify Democrats in Tuesday's primary to take on Sen. Cornyn. At the same time, it's risky in deep red Texas. Crockett's fiery style makes her an easier target for Republicans, who've already tried boosting her in the primary, and could alienate moderates, jeopardizing any realistic shot at flipping the seat. It's a gamble that prioritizes turnout over broad electability.”

— Craig Agranoff, Political analyst and Florida Atlantic University professor (Newsweek)

“Robocalls? What's next? A Beyoncé endorsement? Crockett is desperate!”

— Sara Spector, Attorney and political pundit (X)

“I'll give credit where it's due. @KamalaHarris is skilled at supporting Democrats who either a) cannot win or b) cannot serve.”

— Dean Phillips, Former Democratic Congressman (X)

What’s next

The Texas Democratic Senate primary will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

Harris' endorsement of the progressive Crockett over the more moderate Talarico highlights the strategic divide within the Democratic Party as it seeks to make inroads in a Republican-dominated state like Texas. The outcome of this primary could provide an early indication of the party's messaging and turnout priorities heading into the 2026 midterms.