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Texas Democrat Crockett Accuses Opponents of Racial Attacks in Senate Primary
Crockett claims her opponents are "darkening" her skin in campaign ads as race becomes a flashpoint in the heated Democratic contest.
Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:37pm
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Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate, has accused her opponents of using racially-charged tactics in campaign ads, claiming they are "darkening" her skin. Crockett, who is Black, said she expects attacks from Republicans but was surprised to face such allegations from the left flank of her party. The Texas Senate Democratic primary between Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico has become increasingly heated, with race emerging as a central issue.
Why it matters
Racial dynamics in political campaigns can be highly charged and divisive, especially within the same party. Crockett's allegations raise concerns about the use of potentially racist tactics to gain political advantage, which could further polarize the Democratic primary and alienate voters. The Texas Senate race is also seen as a key battleground that could impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
The details
Crockett, a civil rights lawyer, claims that campaign ads from her opponents have deliberately "darkened" her skin, which she sees as a racially-motivated tactic. She did not provide specifics on which ads or who was behind them. The allegations come amid a heated Democratic primary clash between Crockett and Talarico, with the two candidates trading barbs over issues of race and representation. Before Crockett entered the race, Talarico was also involved in a separate controversy over alleged comments he made about a former opponent, Congressman Collin Allred.
- Early voting is already underway in Texas, with the primary election day set for March 3, 2026.
- The Democratic Senate primary between Crockett and Talarico has been intensifying in the final stretch before the primary vote.
The players
Rep. Jasmine Crockett
A Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas who is running for the state's open Senate seat. Crockett is a civil rights lawyer who has accused her opponents of using racially-charged tactics in campaign ads.
Texas state Rep. James Talarico
A Democratic state Representative in Texas who is also running for the state's open Senate seat. Talarico has been engaged in a heated primary battle with Crockett, with race emerging as a central issue.
Former Rep. Collin Allred
A former Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas who was previously running for the Senate seat before dropping out and endorsing Crockett. Allred has accused Talarico of referring to him as a "mediocre Black man" in relation to his prior Senate campaign.
What they’re saying
“The thing that is not normal is for me to be attacked from the left. That is the new wild card in this scenario. But it's just interesting.”
— Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Democratic U.S. Representative
“And you know, I've been asked a couple of times about it. And you know, I look at this specifically as a civil rights lawyer, and I see when they're sending out ads and they're darkening my skin. And I'm just like, I know what this is, right?”
— Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Democratic U.S. Representative
“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. Despite our disagreements, I deeply respect Congressman Allred. We're all on the same team.”
— Texas state Rep. James Talarico
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.
