Kamala Harris Endorses Jasmine Crockett in Last-Minute TX Dem Senate Race

Harris bucks Democratic establishment to support progressive candidate Crockett over moderate Talarico

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a surprise move, former Vice President Kamala Harris has endorsed Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race in Texas, going against the party establishment's preferred candidate, state Rep. James Talarico. Harris recorded a robocall urging Texas voters to support the progressive Crockett, who has a history of controversial statements, over the more moderate Talarico ahead of the March 5th primary election.

Why it matters

Harris' endorsement of the more progressive Crockett over the establishment-backed Talarico could shake up the Democratic primary race in Texas, which is seen as a key battleground. The winner will likely face off against the Republican nominee, likely to be either Attorney General Ken Paxton or Congressman Wesley Hunt, in the general election for the open Senate seat.

The details

Crockett, a first-term congresswoman, has gained attention for her outspoken and sometimes controversial style. She was the national co-chair of Harris' 2024 presidential campaign. Talarico, a state representative, is seen as the more moderate candidate preferred by the Democratic establishment. The party appears to have tried to boost Talarico's profile, even creating a fake controversy around his potential appearance on Stephen Colbert's show. Harris' last-minute endorsement of Crockett could upend those plans.

  • Early voting in the Texas primary concluded on Friday, March 1, 2026.
  • The Texas Democratic primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee.

Jasmine Crockett

U.S. Representative from Texas and progressive Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

James Talarico

Texas state Representative and moderate Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General and likely Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

Wesley Hunt

U.S. Representative from Texas and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate. Jasmine has the experience and record to hold Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies accountable. It's time to turn Texas blue.'”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President (The Texas Tribune)

What’s next

If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the March 5th primary, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election on May 26th.

The takeaway

Harris' surprise endorsement of the more progressive Crockett over the establishment-backed Talarico could shake up the Democratic primary race in Texas, a key battleground state. The winner will likely face off against the Republican nominee in the general election for the open Senate seat.