Texas Democrat Talarico faces tough test with Black voters in Senate race

Talarico must win over a significant percentage of Crockett's voters to have a chance at victory in November

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:35am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of the Texas state capitol building in Austin, with the grand structure bathed in warm, golden light and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The upcoming Texas Senate race will test the ability of Democratic candidate James Talarico to win over Black voters, a crucial voting bloc for his party's hopes of flipping the seat.Crockett Today

Texas state Representative James Talarico, a white Democrat, defeated U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Black woman, in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat. However, Talarico struggled to gain support from Black voters in the primary, winning only 42% of the vote in counties where at least one in five voting-age citizens identify as Black. To win in November, Talarico must court Black voters and ensure they don't stay home, as he cannot win the state without their support.

Why it matters

Texas hasn't elected a Democrat statewide since 1994, so Talarico's ability to win over Black voters could be crucial to his chances of flipping the Senate seat. The race is also important nationally, as Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and a Democratic upset in Texas could expand the number of pathways for the party to take control of the chamber.

The details

Talarico, a white Presbyterian seminarian who has emphasized his Christian faith, defeated Crockett, a Black woman whose criticism of former President Trump made her a prominent figure in the party. Some of Crockett's supporters felt that the notion of a white state representative being more electable than a Black congresswoman was rooted in racism and sexism. Talarico's campaign is now investing in on-the-ground outreach in Harris and Dallas counties, home to large Black populations, as well as rural Black communities, and is working to connect with Black faith leaders. However, activists say Talarico will need to address issues like unemployment, housing, and healthcare costs that are important to Black voters.

  • Talarico received 1.21 million votes in the primary compared to Crockett's 1.07 million.
  • In the 15 counties in the state where at least one in five voting-age citizens identify as Black, Crockett handily beat Talarico, 57% to 42%.
  • The Republican primary runoff is scheduled for May 26, with the winner favored to win in November.

The players

James Talarico

A 36-year-old Texas state Representative who won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat, but struggled to gain support from Black voters in the primary.

Jasmine Crockett

A Black U.S. Representative whose sharp criticism of former President Trump made her a prominent figure in the Democratic party, but who lost the primary to Talarico.

Lauren Ashley Simmons

A Texas state Representative whose Houston district includes several historically Black neighborhoods, and who felt that the notion of Talarico being more electable than Crockett was rooted in racism and sexism.

Dallas Jones

A Texas Democratic strategist who believes Talarico doesn't need an 'overwhelming surge' of support from Black voters, but does need to make sure they don't stay home.

Bakari Sellers

A Democratic strategist who said 'Black voters are the base of the party' and that Talarico needs to earn their trust.

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What they’re saying

“'A lot of people took offense to that. Me personally included. They have to do the work to invest resources in reaching Black voters and making them feel centered and a part of this campaign.'”

— Lauren Ashley Simmons, Texas state Representative

“'He cannot win this state without the support of Black Texans.'”

— Dallas Jones, Texas Democratic strategist

“'We have to remember Black voters are the base of the party.'”

— Bakari Sellers, Democratic strategist

“'It's on me to ensure Black Texans feel welcomed in, represented by, and proud of this campaign. That's why we're out doing the work right now to build the coalition we need to win in November: showing up everywhere to listen and to learn.'”

— James Talarico

“'When it comes to Talarico, they are talking about what is he going to do to help those Black women who lost their federal jobs regain employment? They're talking about good-paying jobs — we're still at a $7.25 minimum wage in Texas.'”

— Brianna Brown, Executive Director, Texas Organizing Project

What’s next

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The takeaway

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