Talarico Says He's Still the Underdog in Texas Senate Primary Against Crockett

Despite viral Colbert interview and big ad spending, state rep claims he's the underdog in race against congresswoman

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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State Representative James Talarico has gained momentum in his quest to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas, with a viral Colbert interview and $2.5 million fundraising surge. However, Talarico says he remains the underdog against Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, citing the power of the political establishment and his refusal to take corporate PAC money. Polls show a tight race, with Crockett leading but Talarico's internal numbers showing him ahead before the Colbert boost.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is a key battleground, with the winner likely to face off against a Republican in the general election. Talarico and Crockett represent different wings of the Democratic party, with Talarico positioning himself as the grassroots, anti-establishment candidate. The outcome could shape the direction of the party in Texas.

The details

Talarico's campaign said his Colbert interview led to a $2.5 million fundraising surge in 24 hours, and he has outspent Crockett on ads $21.5 million to $4.5 million. However, Talarico insists he is still the underdog, citing the power of the political establishment and his refusal of corporate PAC money. Crockett argues Talarico's fundraising and ad spending show he is no longer the underdog. Polls show a tight race, with Crockett leading by 12 points in a UT Austin/Texas Politics Project poll, but Talarico's internal numbers showing him ahead by 4 points before the Colbert boost.

  • Talarico made the underdog claim in an interview on Wednesday afternoon.
  • Crockett made a similar statement about Talarico's fundraising and ad spending last week.
  • The UT Austin/Texas Politics Project poll was conducted from February 2-16, before the Colbert interview.
  • Talarico's internal poll showing him ahead was conducted before the Colbert interview.

The players

James Talarico

A state representative running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas, positioning himself as the grassroots, anti-establishment candidate.

Jasmine Crockett

A congresswoman running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas, seen as part of the political establishment.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely. We have been the underdog since day one because we're going up against some of the biggest names in Texas politics in both parties. We're going up against the political establishment in both parties. We're going up against some very powerful interests who don't want to see a people-powered campaign win in this state. We're the only campaign not taking a dime of corporate PAC money, and this campaign is being run for the underdogs of the state. That's the kind of campaign we want to continue to run all the way through the general.”

— James Talarico, State Representative (CBS News Texas)

“I will say getting a $2.5 million injection of cash on one day that doesn't put you behind. That is for sure. That puts you in a good position, and having a super PAC that is spending, I don't know at this point, $6 million against your opponent doesn't feel like an underdog situation either.”

— Jasmine Crockett, Congresswoman (CBS News Texas)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election in Texas is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The tight race between Talarico and Crockett highlights the divisions within the Texas Democratic party, with Talarico positioning himself as the grassroots outsider against the political establishment represented by Crockett. The outcome could shape the party's direction in the state.