TX Senate Race: Dem Candidate Accuses Left of Racist Attacks & Skin Darkening Ads

Jasmine Crockett alleges political ads have deliberately darkened her skin tone

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:07am

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The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas is intensifying, with Representative Jasmine Crockett facing criticism not only from Republicans but also from within her own party. Crockett alleges that some attacks have racial undertones, specifically citing instances of her skin being darkened in political advertisements.

Why it matters

Crockett, who would be the first Black U.S. Senator from Texas if elected, has voiced concerns about the tactics employed against her, stating she is accustomed to attacks from Republicans but expressed surprise at the criticism coming from the left. The race has seen previous disputes, including accusations leveled against Crockett's opponent James Talarico regarding comments about a former opponent.

The details

Crockett described seeing her skin darkened in advertisements and interpreted this as a deliberate tactic, stating, 'I see when they send out ads and darken my skin. And I reckon, 'I realize what What we have is, right?'' While both Crockett and Talarico are considered progressive, their styles differ, with Crockett known for directly confronting opponents and Talarico's approach being more measured.

  • The Democratic primary is scheduled for March 3rd, with early voting already underway in Texas.
  • The winner will face a competitive general election against the eventual Republican nominee.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

U.S. Representative who would be the first Black U.S. Senator from Texas if elected.

James Talarico

State Representative and Crockett's primary opponent.

Ted Cruz

Texas Senator and Republican primary candidate.

Ken Paxton

Texas General and Republican primary candidate.

Wesley Hunt

U.S. Representative and Republican primary candidate.

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What they’re saying

“I see when they send out ads and darken my skin. And I reckon, 'I realize what What we have is, right?'”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative

“I would never attack you on racial grounds.”

— James Talarico, State Representative

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary will face the eventual Republican nominee in the competitive general election.

The takeaway

The Texas Senate race has become increasingly complex, with allegations of racially charged tactics and strategic clashes between the Democratic candidates. The outcome of this primary will have significant implications for the future political landscape in Texas.