The first debate in the Texas Senate Democratic primary between U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico revealed few policy differences but sharp contrasts in political style, with both candidates positioning themselves as fighters in a bid to flip a Republican-held seat. Held on January 24, 2026, at the Texas AFL-CIO convention in Georgetown, the hour-long event set the stage for the March 3 primary, where Democrats aim to break a three-decade losing streak in statewide elections.
Crockett, a 44-year-old former civil rights lawyer from Dallas, framed herself as a “street fighter” who engages directly with voters and confronts Republicans outside traditional political arenas. She emphasized her viral moments on social media and her ability to tap into the “rawness” of current political tensions, arguing that this approach is necessary to motivate turnout and win in November. In contrast, Talarico, a 36-year-old former teacher and Presbyterian seminarian from Austin, highlighted his record of battling GOP proposals in the Texas House and his faith-based, economic populist message aimed at bridging political divides. He stressed that the real fight is “top versus bottom” rather than left versus right, appealing to disaffected voters across the spectrum.
On policy, the candidates aligned on key issues, including raising taxes on billionaires, repealing President Donald Trump’s tariffs, banning offensive weapon sales to Israel, and checking the administration’s foreign policy. However, they differed in emphasis, with Talarico calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following fatal shootings by agents in Minneapolis, while Crockett advocated for “cleaning house” within the agency. Both condemned ICE’s operations, with Talarico labeling it a “secret police force” and Crockett criticizing its enforcement actions as overreach.
The debate also touched on impeachment, with Crockett asserting that Trump has committed impeachable offenses, particularly regarding tariffs, and Talarico focusing on potential self-enrichment by administration officials. Crockett supported abolishing the Senate filibuster for fundamental issues like voting rights, whereas Talarico embraced its complete elimination to pass progressive legislation. Their differing styles were further highlighted in discussions about campaign donations, with Talarico defending contributions from a GOP megadonor and Crockett emphasizing her support from employee donors.
Polling indicates a competitive race, with recent surveys showing Talarico leading among white and Latino voters, while Crockett maintains strong support from Black voters. The debate underscored the strategic choices facing Texas Democrats: whether to prioritize fiery, base-motivating rhetoric or a more unifying, cross-party appeal. As the primary approaches, both candidates are leveraging their distinct personas to court voters in a state where Democratic victories have been elusive.
The event drew reactions from Republicans, with incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton criticizing the Democrats’ positions on ICE and impeachment. The debate sets the tone for a heated general election, where the nominee will face a Republican field including Cornyn, Paxton, and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. With early voting starting February 17, the outcome could signal shifts in Texas’s political landscape and national Democratic strategy.
In summary, the debate highlighted the candidates’ shared policy goals but divergent approaches, reflecting broader debates within the Democratic Party about how to achieve electoral success in conservative-leaning states. The focus now turns to voter mobilization and the March primary, which will determine who challenges the Republican nominee in November.
