Texas Democrat James Talarico Wins Senate Primary

Talarico defeated firebrand House member Jasmine Crockett to become the Democratic nominee, setting up a potential showdown with the Republican nominee in November.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 8:48pm

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In a closely watched Senate primary election in Texas, state representative James Talarico defeated fellow Democrat Jasmine Crockett to become the party's nominee. Talarico's winning strategy focused on reaching across the aisle to recruit independents and Republicans, in addition to touting his Christian faith and criticizing the influence of billionaire mega donors in state politics. The Republican race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn was too close to call, with a runoff scheduled for May 26.

Why it matters

Talarico's victory sets up a potentially high-stakes general election battle in Texas, a traditionally Republican stronghold where Democrats have struggled to win statewide offices. His ability to appeal to a broad coalition of voters, including some Republicans, could make him a formidable candidate in November.

The details

Talarico, a state representative, defeated House member Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary. He has been outspoken about the influence of billionaire mega donors in Texas politics and has criticized Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing criminal charges, as "the most corrupt politician in the entire country." Talarico was part of a bipartisan effort in the Texas House to impeach Paxton.

  • The Democratic primary election was held on March 3, 2026.
  • The Republican runoff election is scheduled for May 26, 2026.
  • The general election will take place in November 2026.

The players

James Talarico

A Texas state representative who won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat. He has focused his campaign on criticizing the influence of billionaire donors in state politics and has been outspoken about corruption.

Jasmine Crockett

A Texas House member who was defeated by Talarico in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who is facing the Republican runoff election for the U.S. Senate seat. He has been described as "the most corrupt politician in the entire country" by Talarico.

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is facing a tough primary challenge from Paxton.

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What they’re saying

“I would hope to be a voice against corruption. I would hope to fight for specific systemic changes to our political system that would allow us to make progress on all the other issues we care about—housing, health care, education.”

— James Talarico, Texas State Representative

“If Ken Paxton is the nominee, we could well experience a massacre and the first Democrat elected [to statewide office] since 1994 in the state of Texas.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator

“[Paxton] is perhaps the most corrupt politician in the entire country. I was part of the bipartisan effort in the Texas House to impeach Paxton, so I know his crimes more than most people do.”

— James Talarico, Texas State Representative

What’s next

The Republican runoff election between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn is scheduled for May 26, 2026, with the winner advancing to face Talarico in the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Talarico's victory in the Democratic primary sets up a potentially high-stakes general election battle in Texas, where his ability to appeal to a broad coalition of voters, including some Republicans, could make him a formidable candidate against the Republican nominee in November.