Texas Democratic Senate candidate Representative James Talarico faces significant challenges. He is engaged in a competitive race against Republican Ken Paxton, the state’s attorney general. Meanwhile, he struggles with limited support from Dallas representative Jasmine Crockett, whom he defeated in the Democratic primary.

Crockett’s Position on Talarico

Crockett has expressed reluctance to campaign alongside Talarico. She told CNN that she plans to focus on campaigning downballot. Despite endorsing Talarico after her primary loss, Crockett’s endorsement emphasizes party unity over personal support.

Crockett recalled Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 Senate campaign as a cautionary tale. She criticized the strategy of investing heavily in one candidate, suggesting instead that attention should be spread to other candidates on the ballot. Crockett believes this approach energizes voters to turn out, even in adverse conditions.

Addressing Black voter enthusiasm, Crockett acknowledged a lack of excitement. However, she expects Black voters to participate in the election, given Republican targeting. A poll from TSU supports this, showing 79% of likely Black voters intend to support Talarico.

Talarico’s Response to Crockett

In a July interview with theGrio, Talarico praised Crockett’s endorsement and downballot efforts. He emphasized party unity and urged supports not to deepen divisions. Talarico expressed a willingness to have Crockett join his campaign, appreciating her campaign skills.

Previously, during a Houston town hall, Talarico asked his supporters not to criticize Crockett. Earlier, he clarified remarks made in February comparing Crockett and former U.S. Representative Colin Allred, denying any racial connotations.

Upcoming Senate Race

Texas holds significant importance in the midterms. Talarico currently leads Paxton in multiple polls. A recent Texas Public Opinion Research (TPOR) survey gives Talarico a 6-point lead. The poll sampled 1,000 likely voters and has a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points.

This shows Talarico’s strongest position in TPOR polls to date. Projections from Cook Political Report, Fox News, and The Sabato Crystal Ball vary, ranging from ‘tossup’ to ‘leans Republican.’

For Democrats, capturing a Senate seat in Texas could shift the balance in the upper chamber, a significant goal considering the state’s historical Republican dominance.