Crockett vs. Talarico: A Clash of Democratic Styles in Texas Primary

Both candidates have progressive proposals, but the primary contest has been fraught over questions of electability and race.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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In the increasingly bitter March 3 Senate primary in Texas, two Democratic candidates with progressive proposals are vying for the nomination. James Talarico, a state legislator, presents a friendly, youth pastor-like persona, while Jasmine Crockett, a member of Congress, has adopted a more combative, clap-back style. The debate centers around who is more electable in the reliably Republican state, with Crockett facing accusations of being unelectable due to her race and gender. The primary has revealed a racial divide among Texas Democrats, with some voters doubting a Black woman can win statewide, while others see Crockett as the party's "best fighter" against the GOP.

Why it matters

This primary contest has captured national attention as it highlights the Democratic Party's struggle to balance progressive ideals with electability concerns, especially in red states like Texas. The outcome could have significant implications for the party's chances of flipping the Senate seat in the general election.

The details

Talarico, who initially was considered the underdog, has gained ground on Crockett, a fundraising juggernaut, by raising $13 million in donations compared to her $6.5 million. The two candidates have marginal policy differences, with Talarico focusing on affordability and healthcare, while Crockett argues she has the more progressive record. Crockett has been accused of being unelectable due to her race and gender, which she calls a racist and sexist argument. Talarico has also stumbled on issues of race, such as when a TikTok influencer alleged he called former Senate candidate Colin Allred a "mediocre Black man."

  • Early voting in Texas began on February 17, 2026.
  • The Texas primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The players

James Talarico

A state legislator who exudes a friendly youth pastor vibe and is urging voters to think beyond partisan divisions.

Jasmine Crockett

A member of Congress who has adopted a clap-back style aimed at President Donald Trump and his allies.

Ken Paxton

The controversial state Attorney General of Texas, who is the Republican Senate nominee.

Colin Allred

A former Senate candidate who Talarico allegedly referred to as a "mediocre Black man".

Yol-Itzma Aguirre

A student at Texas Women's University who supports Crockett and believes she can flip the Senate seat.

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What they’re saying

“For me, it's really important that we have someone who knows what they're doing because of ICE, because of the detention centers (and) because of these things I'm personally battling here on the border. You want your best fighter in this fight we're having now.”

— Yol-Itzma Aguirre, Student, Texas Women's University (USA TODAY)

“You can't live in fear like that. Once upon a time as Mexicans, we didn't have the right to vote, until we could. Once upon a time there wasn't interracial marriage, until there was. Once upon a time, women didn't have the right to vote, until they did. Sometimes, you have to be the one to break barriers.”

— Yol-Itzma Aguirre, Student, Texas Women's University (USA TODAY)

“In my praise of Congresswoman Crockett, I described Congressman Allred's method of campaigning as mediocre – but his life and service are not. I would never attack him on the basis of race.”

— James Talarico (USA TODAY)

“There is this belief that he is super-progressive. His record does not match up with that ... and I can tell you that he's trying to play on it to hopefully confuse people about who's quote, unquote 'most progressive.'”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative (USA TODAY)

“People don't vote Republican-lite. If you are a Republican, you are going to vote for the real thing and for the life of me I can't understand why Democrats have not learned that lesson.”

— Nina Turner, Former Co-Chair, Bernie Sanders 2020 Presidential Campaign (USA TODAY)

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.