Texas Senate Primary Race Heats Up After Pulled Colbert Interview

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

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The heated U.S. Senate primary race in Texas between Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico is ramping up, with Crockett urging supporters to look at experience and Talarico riding a burst of attention over his unaired interview with Stephen Colbert. The March 3 primary is the nation's first big contest of the 2026 midterm elections, and both candidates have built national profiles through viral social media clips.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is seen as a key battleground for Democrats as they try to recapture a Senate majority, especially if Republicans nominate the embattled Attorney General Ken Paxton. The race also highlights the role of media attention and social media in shaping primary campaigns.

The details

Crockett rallied voters in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas, while Talarico began a statewide tour after his interview with Colbert was pulled due to concerns over Trump-era regulations. Talarico's campaign said the pulled interview raised $2.5 million in 24 hours, though it's unclear if that will translate to long-term gains. Both candidates have built national profiles through viral social media clips, with Talarico known for tying his positions to his Christian faith and Crockett for publicly castigating Republicans.

  • The March 3 primary in Texas is the nation's first big contest of the 2026 midterm elections.
  • Early voting is already underway in the primary.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas who is running in the Senate primary.

James Talarico

Democratic state Representative in Texas who is running against Crockett in the Senate primary.

John Cornyn

Four-term Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is facing a tough primary challenge.

Ken Paxton

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

Wesley Hunt

U.S. Representative from Texas who is also challenging Cornyn in the Republican Senate 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, U.S. Representative (ksgf.com)

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

— Mike Doyle, Harris County Democratic Chair (ksgf.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, State Representative (ksgf.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 race highlights the growing influence of social media and viral moments in primary campaigns, as well as the challenges Democrats face in winning statewide races in Texas. The outcome could have major implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.