Texas Senate Primary Race Heats Up After Pulled Colbert Interview

Crockett and Talarico ramp up campaigns as Democrats see opportunity in November

Feb. 27, 2026 at 6:39am

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The heated U.S. Senate primary race between Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico in Texas is ramping up in the final stretch before the March 3 primary. Talarico gained national attention after his unaired interview with Stephen Colbert was pulled, while Crockett is urging supporters to focus on her experience. Both candidates are vying for the seat held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn, as Democrats see an opening to potentially flip the seat in November.

Why it matters

Texas' Senate primaries are the nation's first big contests of the 2026 midterm elections, and Democrats are hoping to capitalize on the opportunity to potentially flip a Senate seat in a state they haven't won statewide in over 30 years. The pulled Colbert interview has also raised questions about the role of media regulations in political campaigns.

The details

Crockett and Talarico have both built national profiles through viral social media clips before entering the Senate race. Talarico is known for tying his positions to his Christian faith, while Crockett is known for publicly castigating Republicans. Talarico's campaign said it raised $2.5 million in the 24 hours after his Colbert interview was pulled, which some Democrats say gave him a 'boost.' Crockett has said the pulled interview probably gave Talarico 'the boost he was looking for.' Colbert and Talarico have portrayed CBS as bowing to pressure from the Trump administration, while CBS has said its lawyers merely gave 'legal guidance' to Colbert's show.

  • Early voting is already underway for the March 3 primary.
  • Talarico's Colbert interview was pulled on Monday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

Democratic Rep. of Texas who is running in the U.S. Senate primary.

James Talarico

Democratic state Rep. of Texas who is running in the U.S. Senate primary.

John Cornyn

Four-term Republican Sen. of Texas whose seat is up for election.

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General who is challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary.

Wesley Hunt

U.S. Rep. who is also challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary.

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What they’re saying

“Now, I'm not saying that this moment is easy, but at least ya'll know exactly how I operate in this moment on the federal level. You know who I am. You know how I get down.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Democratic Rep. of Texas (ktar.com)

“It was an honor to vote in this election. It was my name on the ballot. But this is a movement that includes thousands of Texans. We are building a movement to take back our state and our country.”

— James Talarico, Democratic state Rep. of Texas (ktar.com)

“Whether or not it pans out long-term, who knows?”

— Mike Doyle, Harris County Democratic Chair (ktar.com)

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.