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Round Rock Today
By the People, for the People
Texas Democrat James Talarico defeats Jasmine Crockett in Senate primary
Talarico, a rising star, will face the winner of the Republican runoff in the general election
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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State Rep. James Talarico defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Democratic Senate primary on March 3. Talarico, a 36-year-old Presbyterian seminarian and former elementary school teacher, ran a populist campaign focused on economic issues like wages, housing, and childcare. Crockett, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, was the favorite due to her national profile and fundraising prowess, but Talarico's grassroots approach resonated with primary voters.
Why it matters
The Democratic contest highlighted differences in style and approach between the two rising stars, with Talarico's faith-based, economic-focused campaign contrasting with Crockett's viral video persona. The primary result provides a window into the future direction of the Texas Democratic Party as it seeks to end its nearly 30-year statewide losing streak.
The details
Talarico, who is white, faced Crockett, who is Black, in a race that raised questions about race, electability, and stylistic differences. Talarico remained in the Texas statehouse as Crockett rose to Congress, and he gained national attention in 2021 for pressing a Fox News host to admit that Trump lost the 2020 election. Crockett skipped running for Congress after her district was redrawn, and the primary for the seat was won by her pastor.
- The Texas Democratic Senate primary was held on March 3, 2026.
- Talarico will face the winner of the May 26 Republican runoff in the general election.
The players
James Talarico
A 36-year-old state representative, Presbyterian seminarian, and former elementary school teacher who ran a populist campaign focused on economic issues.
Jasmine Crockett
A U.S. representative and member of the Congressional Black Caucus who was the favorite in the race due to her national profile and fundraising prowess.
John Cornyn
The incumbent Republican senator who will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election.
Ken Paxton
The embattled Texas state attorney general who is also running in the Republican Senate primary.
Frederick "Freddy" Haynes III
The pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church who won the Democratic primary for the redrawn congressional district that Crockett had planned to run in.
What’s next
The winner of the Republican runoff between Cornyn and Paxton on May 26 will face Talarico in the general election.
The takeaway
Talarico's victory over the more nationally known Crockett suggests Texas Democrats are seeking a pragmatic, economic-focused candidate who can appeal to a broad range of voters, rather than a high-profile progressive firebrand. The primary result sets up an intriguing general election matchup in the quest to end the party's nearly 30-year statewide losing streak.
