James Talarico Topples Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Bitter Texas Senate Primary
Texas Democrats have a Senate nominee after a closely watched primary that drew national attention.
State Rep. James Talarico defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, winning just over half the vote and avoiding a runoff in one of the party’s most closely watched races of the 2026 cycle.
The matchup quickly became a test of strategy inside the Democratic Party.
Crockett entered the race with a national profile and strong support among progressive activists, while Talarico argued Democrats needed broader appeal to compete statewide in historically Republican Texas.
Early results showed Talarico pulling ahead as votes were counted statewide.
According to election results cited by the Associated Press, he secured roughly 52–53% of the vote, defeating Crockett by several points and securing the nomination shortly after midnight when the race was officially called.
But the night was not without controversy.
Voting disruptions and court rulings affecting polling hours in parts of Dallas sparked criticism from Crockett’s campaign, which argued the changes created confusion for some voters during the primary process.
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“We’re about to take back Texas,” Talarico told supporters after the race was called.
The result now shifts attention to the broader political battle ahead.
Texas Democrats have not won a statewide race in decades, and the Senate seat remains a major Republican stronghold, making the general election a difficult test despite growing Democratic turnout in recent cycles.
Talarico will now wait to learn his opponent.
On the Republican side, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are heading to a runoff to determine the GOP nominee who will face Talarico in November’s general election.
The outcome could shape one of the most competitive Senate contests in Texas in years.
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