Texas Senate Democrats' Infighting Threatens November Hopes

Escalating feud between primary rivals Crockett and Talarico rattles some Democrats ahead of March primary

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The Senate Democratic primary in Texas has taken an ugly turn, with increased infighting between candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico threatening to complicate the party's chances of flipping the seat in November. The feud has drawn criticism from some Democrats who view it as an unhelpful distraction ahead of the March 3 primary.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is seen as a key pickup opportunity for Democrats, but the infighting between the primary candidates could undermine their chances in the general election if it continues. The discourse around electability and race has also irked some members of the party, who believe it is aimed at discouraging voters from backing the Black candidate, Crockett.

The details

The most notable incident came when former Rep. Colin Allred accused Talarico of calling him a 'mediocre Black man', which Talarico denied. Crockett quickly threw her support behind Allred without mentioning Talarico by name. The race has also seen heated conversations around electability, with some suggesting Crockett's candidacy is being undermined due to her being a Black woman. Both candidates are seen as ideologically similar, making the race more about approach and tone, with Talarico perceived to be more measured and Crockett cast as a firebrand.

  • The Texas Senate Democratic primary is on March 3, 2026.
  • The infighting between Crockett and Talarico has escalated in recent weeks ahead of the primary.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

A Black former Texas state lawmaker and civil rights attorney currently serving in the House, she is seen by some as a controversial Senate candidate given some of her online and viral exchanges.

James Talarico

A white Presbyterian seminarian and former middle school teacher, he is perceived to be more measured compared to Crockett's firebrand approach.

Colin Allred

The former Democratic nominee for Senate in Texas last cycle, he has ripped Talarico for allegedly calling him a 'mediocre Black man'.

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What they’re saying

“We're taking our eye off the ball. But that this is what Democrats are very good at doing. … We become distracted and we start infighting over things that aren't particularly beneficial to winning races.”

— Joel Montfort, Texas Democratic consultant

“You're running in the Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and there's been a lot of discourse around her electability, and some would say that is code for they don't think a Black woman can win statewide.”

— Sunny Hostin, Co-host of 'The View'

“It's unfortunate that at the start of Black History Month, this is what we're facing.”

— Jasmine Crockett

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.