Texas Democrat Accuses Left of Racism in Primary Race

Rep. Jasmine Crockett claims attacks from liberals are motivated by her race

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett has accused the left of racism in her campaign for the Texas Senate Democratic primary. Crockett, who is Black, claims that liberals have been attacking her because of her race, including by "darkening" her skin in campaign ads. Crockett also spoke out about not being invited on the Stephen Colbert show, while her rival James Talarico was, suggesting the move was an attempt to freeze her out of the race.

Why it matters

Crockett's accusations of racism from the left highlight the growing tensions and divisions within the Democratic party. As a Black woman running for office, Crockett's claims raise questions about how the party is treating candidates of color and whether there are racial biases at play in the primary process.

The details

Crockett and Talarico are locked in a tight race for the Texas Senate Democratic primary. Crockett claims that she has been "attacked from the left" in a way that is "not normal," and that these attacks are motivated by her race. She specifically cited campaign ads that she says have "darkened" her skin. Crockett also spoke out about not being invited on the Stephen Colbert show, while Talarico, who is white, was invited, suggesting an attempt to freeze her out of the race.

  • Crockett made the accusations during a campaign event on Thursday in Richardson, Texas.
  • The Texas Senate Democratic primary is scheduled for 2026.

The players

Jasmine Crockett

Democratic Texas Representative who is running for the Texas Senate Democratic primary.

James Talarico

Democratic Texas state Representative who is also running for the Texas Senate Democratic primary and is Crockett's rival.

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What they’re saying

“The thing that's not normal is for me too be attacked from the left. That is the new wild wildcard in scenario. It's just interesting. I've been asked a couple of times a couple of things about it. I look at this specifically as a civil rights lawyer. I've seen that sending out ads in darkening my skin, I am just like, I know what this is. And the reality is that, I woke up a black woman. I was born a black woman. I was a black woman for everyone who doesn't think I know, just FYI. But I am not running on the fact that I am a black woman. I'm running on my credentials.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Democratic Texas Representative

“I've not been invited on Colbert prior to [Talarico's] interview nor post his interview. I did receive a phone call from a representative for the parent company that basically said they did not tell them they couldn't have me on, but they chose not to have me on.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Democratic Texas Representative (Morning Joe)

What’s next

The Texas Senate Democratic primary is scheduled for 2026, so the race between Crockett and Talarico will continue to unfold in the coming months.

The takeaway

Crockett's accusations of racism from the left highlight the growing divisions within the Democratic party, particularly around issues of race and representation. As a Black woman running for office, Crockett's claims raise important questions about how the party is treating candidates of color and whether there are racial biases at play in the primary process.