Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks to the media after voting in Austin, Texas, on February 17, 2026. – Eric Gay/AP
State Rep. James Talarico will win the Democratic primary for US Senate in Texas, NCS’s Decision Desk projects, putting a as soon as little-known state legislator on the prime of the celebration’s ticket for the overall election in November.
The 36-year-old will defeat US Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a fiery 44-year-old Democrat from the Dallas space, in a contentious primary that grew to become more and more private. He will face both US Sen. John Cornyn or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who NCS projects will head to a May 26 runoff.
Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian and former instructor from Round Rock, outdoors of Austin, was not well-known throughout Texas earlier than getting into the Senate race in September. But he gained a following after making his religion a outstanding focus of his messaging.
Talarico additionally benefited from nationwide publicity when “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert stated he was not allowed to run an interview with the Democratic state legislator on account of potential FCC issues from CBS. The interview consequently obtained thousands and thousands of views on-line.
An intensely fought primary on the Republican aspect is giving some in the Democratic Party hope the long-held GOP Senate seat may very well be in play in November. But Democrats are working in powerful political terrain: No Democrat has gained statewide in greater than three many years.
Throughout the primary, the 2 Democrats, who every have giant on-line followings, portrayed themselves as fighters however showcased totally different approaches on find out how to wage these fights.
Crockett typically pointed to her expertise tangling with the president and GOP in Washington whereas Talarico talked about taking up a “broken, corrupt political system.”
The Democratic primary additionally reignited the celebration’s debate over “electability” with some Democrats, together with allies of Talarico, overtly questioning whether or not Crockett may win in opposition to a Republican in November.
Crockett, a Black girl, pushed again on these critiques, telling reporters final month, “I am tired of people asking whether or not I am electable. The reality is that that is nothing but a dog whistle.”
The Texas congresswoman criticized an excellent PAC supporting Talarico for airing an advert suggesting Democrats would lose in November if she was on the prime of the ticket, saying these efforts have been aimed toward “tearing down a Black woman.”
The two Democrats, who served collectively in the Texas state House, promoted totally different methods for attaining a Democratic victory in the overall election. Crockett, a Democratic firebrand who rose to prominence by way of her viral showdowns with the GOP, stated her celebration ought to concentrate on reenergizing base voters, together with Black and younger voters, as an alternative of concentrating on these in the center.
Talarico, however, argued Democrats mustn’t simply end up base voters, but additionally enchantment to independents souring on President Donald Trump.
Crockett entered the race in December with excessive title recognition. Her last-minute entry in the race prompted former Rep. Colin Allred to desert his Senate bid and as an alternative run for a House seat in North Texas.
Allred later endorsed Crockett’s marketing campaign after an activist on TikTok accused Talarico of referring to him as a “mediocre Black man.” Talarico’s marketing campaign argued his feedback have been mischaracterized.
Talarico held a fundraising and promoting benefit over Crockett all through the competition.
Talarico raised greater than $20 million since launching his candidacy final September whereas Crockett introduced in $3.7 million since her December marketing campaign launch. Crockett additionally transferred an extra $4.8 million from her House marketing campaign account.
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