Texas Dem Senate Primary Erupts Over Racial Rhetoric

Divisive comments about race and identity roil intraparty fight ahead of key 2026 elections

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Texas Democratic Senate primary race has become embroiled in heated rhetoric over race and identity, with candidates trading accusations of racism, 'wokeness,' and divisive comments. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who is running for Senate, has suggested racism could be to blame if she loses, while former Rep. Colin Allred accused rival James Talarico of calling him a 'mediocre Black man.' Meanwhile, Texas state Rep. Gene Wu drew backlash for describing white Americans as 'oppressors' of minorities.

Why it matters

The racially charged rhetoric in the Texas Democratic Senate primary reflects a broader trend of identity-focused messaging that has become increasingly prominent in the party. Republicans have seized on these comments as examples of 'wokeness at its worst,' arguing the divisive language is alienating voters. The intraparty fight also highlights the challenges Democrats face in energizing their base in the red state of Texas.

The details

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who is running for the Senate, has suggested racism would be to blame if she loses. Former Rep. Colin Allred accused Crockett rival and Austin state Rep. James Talarico of calling him 'a mediocre Black man' in a political spat. Texas Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu also drew backlash for describing white Americans as 'oppressors' of 'non-whites' in a resurfaced 2024 interview.

  • The racial rhetoric has flared up in recent weeks as Democrats eye high-profile races and try to energize blue voters in the red state of Texas.
  • The comments from Rep. Gene Wu surfaced earlier this month.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

A Democratic U.S. House Representative running for the Texas Senate seat.

Colin Allred

A former Democratic U.S. House Representative who has since dropped out of the Senate race and is seeking a newly drawn congressional district.

James Talarico

An Austin state Representative running against Crockett in the Democratic Senate primary.

Gene Wu

A Democratic state Representative in Texas and the minority leader of the Texas House.

Zach Kraft

A spokesman for the Republican National Committee.

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What they’re saying

“You think I didn't know I was a black woman when I woke up and decided that I was going to run for the U.S. Senate? You think I didn't factor in and make sure we had enough room to account for that?”

— Jasmine Crockett, Democratic U.S. House Representative (1010wcsi.com)

“That there is a sense of, 'America really just belongs to White people,' that this was that a lot of people believe that God gave America to White people to rule, and that any time that immigrants, minorities make progress in this country, that that is seen as a slight against them.”

— Gene Wu, Democratic state Representative (1010wcsi.com)

“The Democrat party is built on bigotry.”

— Ted Cruz, Republican U.S. Senator (1010wcsi.com)

“I would never attack him on the basis of race. As a Black man in America, Congressman Allred has had to work twice as hard to get where he is. 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, Democratic state Representative (Texas Tribune)

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

The racially charged rhetoric in the Texas Democratic Senate primary highlights the challenges the party faces in energizing its base in the red state, as Republicans seize on the divisive language as examples of 'wokeness at its worst.' The intraparty fight also reflects a broader trend of identity-focused messaging that has become increasingly prominent in the Democratic party.