Crockett and Talarico Face Off in Texas Senate Democratic Primary

Two progressive Democrats offer contrasting styles in race to challenge Republican incumbent

Feb. 20, 2026 at 12:47pm

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The Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate in Texas is a contest between two rising stars in the party, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico. While both candidates share progressive values, their approaches and styles differ, with Crockett positioning herself as a 'street fighter' willing to confront Republicans directly, and Talarico emphasizing economic populism and his Christian faith to appeal to a broader range of voters.

Why it matters

The race is seen as an opportunity for Democrats to break a decades-long drought in Texas, a state that hasn't elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988. The contrasting styles of the two candidates offer voters a clear choice as they decide who should face off against the Republican incumbent, Senator John Cornyn.

The details

Crockett, from Dallas, has emphasized her willingness to confront Republicans, even outside of Capitol Hill, while Talarico, from Austin, has focused on economic populism and his Christian faith. Both candidates share similar positions on issues like income inequality and immigration, but differ in their approaches, with Crockett taking pride in her confrontations and Talarico emphasizing finding common ground and achieving incremental progress.

  • The Democratic primary election in Texas is scheduled for March 3, 2026, with early voting already underway since February 17, 2026.
  • The candidates participated in a debate at the Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention in Georgetown on January 24, 2026.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

U.S. Representative from Dallas, Texas, and a rising star in the Democratic Party.

James Talarico

State Representative from Austin, Texas, and a progressive Democrat also considered a rising star in the party.

John Cornyn

Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas, who is facing a primary challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.