Republican meddling rocks Senate Democratic primary in final days

GOP signals preference for one candidate, fueling debate over who would be the stronger November nominee

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas is closing with a fierce debate over who Republicans would rather face in November. The leading candidates, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico, have each pitched voters on the idea that they are a better bet for November. Some Republicans have signaled they would rather face Crockett, and Talarico's side wants voters to know it, running ads warning that Republicans are 'boosting' Crockett. Crockett has scoffed at the GOP meddling narrative, while Talarico has denounced the GOP interference. The back and forth gets at a broader debate in the primary about who is better positioned to win a Senate election for Texas Democrats for the first time since 1988.

Why it matters

The Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas is a high-stakes race, with the party optimistic about its chances of flipping the seat in November given the national political environment and the potential that Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has a history of scandals, could emerge as the GOP nominee. The debate over which Democratic candidate would be more competitive in November has been a central focus of the primary.

The details

A pro-Talarico super PAC is running ads online in the final days of the primary warning that Republicans are 'boosting' Crockett and 'spending thousands of dollars to make sure that Jasmine Crockett gets elected.' The ads link to a report about how a conservative group has sent out texts highlighting Crockett's hard line against ICE and how Gov. Greg Abbott has featured her prominently in ads. Crockett has scoffed at the GOP meddling narrative, questioning why Republicans would be so clear about a preference, and has urged Democrats to tune out the GOP messaging. Talarico has denounced the GOP interference in the Democratic primary.

  • The Democratic primary election is on Tuesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

U.S. Representative from Dallas and a leading candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

James Talarico

State Representative from Austin and a leading candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

Greg Abbott

Governor of Texas who has featured Crockett prominently in ads, signaling a Republican preference for her as the Democratic nominee.

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General and a potential Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, who has a history of scandals.

John Cornyn

Incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas, who has called Crockett's candidacy a 'gift' and warned that Talarico could be 'dangerous' as the Democratic nominee.

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What they’re saying

“I would tell every Republican elected official to stay out of our business and stay out of our primary.”

— James Talarico, State Representative (Dallas TV reporter)

“They love to kind of stir us up and have us decide to play off their rhetoric. Democrats need to focus on the prize.”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative (CNN)

“They're both so liberal.”

— Ken Paxton (Dallas radio host Mark Davis)

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.