Allred Blasts Talarico Over Alleged 'Mediocre Black Man' Remark

Former congressman calls out Senate candidate over racially insensitive comments

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a video posted on social media, former Dallas-area congressman Colin Allred blasted Texas Senate candidate James Talarico over allegations that Talarico made a racially insensitive remark about Allred, calling him a 'mediocre Black man' in a private conversation. Allred, who is now running for a new House seat, said Talarico had the 'audacity and temerity' to put down a Black candidate and urged voters to support his former rival Jasmine Crockett instead.

Why it matters

The allegations have ignited tensions in the Democratic primary race for the Texas Senate seat, with Talarico and Crockett locked in a tight battle. Republicans have identified Talarico as a threat, and the infighting among Democrats could be welcomed by the GOP as they seek to maintain their 30-year statewide win streak.

The details

The claims stem from a TikTok video that has been viewed over 70,000 times, in which a user named Morgan alleges that in a private conversation, Talarico stated he'd signed up to campaign against 'a mediocre Black man,' referring to Allred, rather than 'a formidable, intelligent Black woman,' meaning Crockett. Allred's campaign says it verified the accuracy of the claims with Morgan before Allred's response. Talarico has denied the allegations, saying he would 'never attack [Allred] on the basis of race' and that his critique of Allred's campaigning was not a reference to his race.

  • The video was published by Allred on Monday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Colin Allred

A former Dallas-area congressman who is now running for a new House seat, and was previously a candidate for the Texas Senate seat.

James Talarico

A state representative from Round Rock who is a candidate for the Texas Senate seat.

Jasmine Crockett

A congresswoman who filed for the Texas Senate seat at the last moment, after Allred dropped out of the race.

Morgan

A TikTok user who claims to have heard Talarico make the alleged racially insensitive remark about Allred in a private conversation.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General, one of three Republicans vying for the Senate nomination.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Go vote for Jasmine Crockett. This man should not be our nominee for United States Senate. I wasn't going to get involved in this race. But listen, don't come for me unless I send for you.”

— Colin Allred, Former congressman

“I described Congressman Allred's campaigning as mediocre — but his life and service are not. I would never attack him on the basis of race. I understand how my critique of the Congressman's campaign could be interpreted given this country's painful legacy of racism, and I care deeply about the impact my words have on others.”

— James Talarico, State representative and Senate candidate

“If you know [Allred] like I do, you know he's an even-tempered and measured person who doesn't engage in pettiness. The times I've known he was heated is when it's a fight worth having. [I] pray that we can pull together and know that the Republicans are the ones hurting us the most and it is time for Texans to get leaders who will focus on them.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Congresswoman and Senate candidate

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.