Talarico Wins Primary, Faces Uphill Battle in Texas Senate Race

Democratic nominee James Talarico prevailed in a hard-fought primary, but now must unite his party and appeal to moderates to have a chance against either scandal-plagued Attorney General Ken Paxton or veteran Senator John Cornyn.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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James Talarico, a Democratic state representative, won his party's nomination for the Texas Senate seat in a closely watched primary race. However, Talarico now faces an uphill battle in the general election, where he will likely face off against either the scandal-plagued Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton or the long-serving Senator John Cornyn. Talarico's campaign has acknowledged concerns about voter suppression in the primary, and he has work to do to appeal to Black voters in the state. Despite the challenges, some Democrats believe Talarico could put together a winning coalition by appealing to moderates and soft Republicans.

Why it matters

Talarico's victory in the Democratic primary has jolted hopes among Texas Democrats of flipping a Senate seat in the state for the first time in over 35 years. His ability to unite voters across party lines could be key to the party's efforts to regain control of the Senate. However, the general election will be an uphill battle in the deeply Republican state.

The details

Talarico prevailed in a hard-fought primary contest against fellow Democrat Jasmine Crockett, a Black state representative from Dallas. The final stretch of the race saw bitter feuds between the candidates' supporters, often along racial lines, that played out on social media. Talarico has acknowledged he has work to do to appeal to Black voters in the state. The campaign also expressed concerns about reports of voters being turned away from the polls in some counties due to the GOP's implementation of precinct-specific voting locations.

  • Talarico won the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.
  • The general election in Texas is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

James Talarico

A Democratic state representative who won his party's nomination for the Texas Senate seat in a closely watched primary race.

Ken Paxton

The Republican Attorney General of Texas, who is facing a scandal and could be Talarico's opponent in the general election.

John Cornyn

The long-serving Republican Senator from Texas, who could also be Talarico's opponent in the general election.

Jasmine Crockett

A Black state representative from Dallas who was Talarico's opponent in the Democratic primary.

Emily Cherniack

The founder and CEO of New Politics, a longtime ally of Talarico.

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What they’re saying

“I'd be very worried if I were the national Republican Party after tonight. Strong turnout, especially among Latino voters, signals real dissatisfaction with Republicans in power. That's a huge warning sign for November for them.”

— Emily Cherniack, Founder and CEO of New Politics

“A perfect storm is lining up for Texas Democrats. They have a nominee who can appeal to moderates and soft Republicans. Talarico could be Moses who leads the Lone Star Democrats out of the desert they've been in for 35 years.”

— Mark McKinnon, Former Texas media operative

“I think both of them are extraordinarily weak. Paxton and Cornyn, they're different. Paxton was guilty of illegal corruption. That's why my colleagues and I impeached him in the Texas House. But Cornyn is guilty of legalized corruption. He was the deciding vote on the Big, Ugly, Bill which kicked millions of Texas off their health care, took food out of the mouths of hungry Texas kids all to give tax breaks to his donors. Both of them are guilty of using their public offices to enrich their donors — Ken Paxton in an illegal way, but John Cornyn in a legal way. I look forward to prosecuting the case against either of them — whoever makes it out.”

— James Talarico (POLITICO)

What’s next

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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.