AT A GLANCE
- Two rising Texas Democrats — Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico — are competing for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn.
- Both candidates agree a Democrat must flip the seat in a state that has not elected a Democrat statewide since 1994.
- The pair largely aligned on policy during a Texas AFL-CIO–hosted debate, differing more in tone and strategy than substance.
- Early voting begins Feb. 17, with Election Day set for March 3.
Crockett, Talarico Go Head to Head — By Largely Agreeing
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico went head to head this weekend in their race for the U.S. Senate — and in many ways, found themselves arguing the same case.
Both Democrats made clear that their central goal is flipping a Texas Senate seat that has remained firmly in Republican hands for decades. Texas has not elected a Democrat statewide since 1994, and the state has not sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988.
Crockett and Talarico are vying for the seat currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who was first elected in 2002 and is widely regarded as a formidable fundraiser. Cornyn is also facing a serious primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, adding another layer of uncertainty to the race.
The two Democratic candidates laid out their platforms during a debate Saturday in Georgetown hosted by the Texas AFL-CIO. While their styles differed, their policy positions often overlapped, with both candidates leaning into progressive priorities rather than the more cautious approach Texas Democrats have often taken in statewide races.
Crockett framed herself as a political “street fighter,” arguing that her experience and visibility in Congress have prepared her to confront Republicans in Washington. Talarico, by contrast, cast himself as a problem-solver with a moral compass, saying, “We need a teacher in the Senate.”
Despite the contrast in tone, the two candidates largely agreed on core issues. Both called for rolling back tariffs, increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans, cutting funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and reasserting Congress’ role as a check on presidential power.
On economic policy, Crockett emphasized ending tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump, boosting wages, and strengthening workers’ rights. Talarico supported ending the tariffs as well but focused more heavily on capping prescription drug costs, expanding universal early childhood education, and banning Wall Street investors from buying up large portions of the housing market.
The two candidates also share a willingness to challenge the Democratic Party’s more moderate wing, a stance that has helped both build significant national followings online. Talarico, a 36-year-old former public school teacher and current seminarian, has described some Republican-backed legislation as “un-Christian” and gained national attention after appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast, where Rogan encouraged him to run for president.
Crockett, a 44-year-old former public defender, has also drawn national attention — including criticism from Trump himself — for her sharp and sometimes profane attacks on political opponents, a style that has resonated with some voters and alienated others.
When asked about experience, Crockett argued that her higher profile gives her an advantage. She noted that Talarico has held elected office longer than she has, but said she has become more widely known because of her willingness to engage in high-profile political fights in the House.
Talarico responded by emphasizing strategy rather than name recognition, arguing that the election should focus on who is best positioned to challenge powerful economic interests. He said Democrats need someone who has stood up to billionaires “who right now are running this country, running this economy,” pointing to his opposition to Texas school voucher proposals as an example.
One of the clearer distinctions between the candidates was who they cast as the primary threat. Talarico repeatedly referenced Paxton, saying the central goal of the election should be “stopping Ken Paxton,” signaling that Democrats believe Paxton could emerge as the Republican nominee.
Crockett, meanwhile, focused more squarely on Trump and the expansion of executive power, saying the president “thinks he’s a king” and warning that unchecked presidential authority poses a broader threat to democracy.
The emphasis on Paxton drew a response from Cornyn, who dismissed the idea on social media, posting, “They wish.”
Both Cornyn and Paxton have criticized the Democratic candidates, particularly over immigration. Republicans circulated a clip of Talarico discussing border policy, though it did not include his full remarks. Talarico later clarified his position, saying, “What I’ve said is that our southern border should be like our front porch. There should be a giant welcome mat out front and a lock on the door.”
With early voting set to begin Feb. 17 and Election Day scheduled for March 3, the Democratic contest is shaping up less as a clash over ideology and more as a debate over tone, strategy, and who can best overcome Texas’ long-standing Republican dominance statewide.
