Texas Senate Primary Heats Up After Pulled Colbert Interview

Crockett and Talarico ramp up campaigns as Democrats see opportunity in November

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The March 3 primary in Texas is the nation's first big contest of the 2026 midterm elections, with Democratic Reps. Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico vying for the Senate seat held by Republican John Cornyn. Talarico's unaired interview with Stephen Colbert has sparked a fundraising boost, while Crockett is emphasizing her experience. Democrats see an opening in Texas despite not winning a statewide race there in over 30 years.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate primary is an early test for Democrats as they aim to regain a Senate majority in the 2026 midterms. Crockett and Talarico have built national profiles, and the race has gained attention due to the pulled Colbert interview and the possibility of Republicans nominating the controversial Attorney General Ken Paxton.

The details

Crockett and Talarico are ramping up their campaigns ahead of the March 3 primary, with Talarico gaining attention and fundraising after his unaired interview with Stephen Colbert was pulled by CBS over concerns about FCC regulations. Crockett is emphasizing her experience, telling supporters "You know who I am. You know how I get down." Both candidates have built national profiles through viral social media clips.

  • Early voting is already underway for the March 3 primary.
  • Talarico's interview with Stephen Colbert was pulled on Monday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas who is running in the Senate primary.

James Talarico

Democratic state Representative from Texas who is running in the Senate primary.

John Cornyn

Four-term Republican U.S. Senator from Texas whose seat is up for election.

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General who is challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary.

Brendan Carr

Trump-appointed Chair of the Federal Communications Commission who has questioned the "equal time" rule exemption for talk shows.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Now, I'm not saying that this moment is easy, but at least ya'll know exactly how I operate in this moment on the federal level. You know who I am. You know how I get down.”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative (PBS NewsHour)

“It was an honor to vote in this election. It was my name on the ballot. But this is a movement that includes thousands of Texans. We are building a movement to take back our state and our country.”

— James Talarico, State Representative (PBS NewsHour)

“Whether or not it pans out long-term, who knows?”

— Mike Doyle, Harris County Democratic Chair (PBS NewsHour)

What’s next

The judge in Talarico's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to continue broadcasting the unaired Colbert interview online.

The takeaway

The Texas Senate primary is shaping up to be a pivotal early test for Democrats as they aim to regain a Senate majority in 2026, with Crockett and Talarico's high-profile campaigns and the pulled Colbert interview adding to the race's national significance.