Black Voters Could Decide Democrats’ Chances in Texas, Talarico Told theGrio, Warning That Defeating Ken Paxton Requires Party Unity
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico says his forceful defense of U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett was about more than ending a contentious primary season. It was also a demand that his supporters respect a public servant he considers a friend and an essential part of the party’s effort to win statewide in November.
“I felt, just at a personal level, offended,” Talarico told theGrio during an interview Wednesday.
The Texas state representative was referring to criticism directed at Crockett by some people who identified themselves as his supporters. Talarico publicly rebuked those attacks during a recent Houston town hall, telling the crowd to keep Crockett’s name “out of your mouth.”
The comments quickly spread across social media and renewed attention on the divisions that remain among Texas Democrats following the competitive Senate primary.
Critics argued that some of the attacks against Crockett, a Black congresswoman representing the Dallas area, were rooted in racism and sexism.
Talarico said he felt compelled to respond because Crockett is a friend, a former colleague in the Texas House and a national leader who deserves respect and gratitude for her public service.
Talarico Says Democrats Must Heal Primary Divisions
Talarico defeated Crockett in the March Democratic primary, but Crockett won overwhelming support from Black voters across Texas.
The primary exposed tensions between different parts of the Democratic coalition, and some Crockett supporters remain skeptical of Talarico as he prepares to face Republican nominee Ken Paxton in the Nov. 3 general election.
Talarico said supporters who are serious about defeating Paxton should work to repair those divisions rather than make them worse.
“If we’re really serious about winning this race, if people who claim to be my supporters or who claim to be part of this movement we’re building, if they’re sincere in that support, then they should be trying to heal divisions, not deepen divisions,” he said.
Some observers questioned why Talarico did not confront the criticism sooner. The 37-year-old lawmaker acknowledged that he cannot control every online comment but said he can demonstrate better leadership.
“I can’t obviously control every comment made on the internet, but I can show leadership,” Talarico said. “And I’m trying to do a better job of that.”
He also pointed to a video released after Crockett entered the primary in which he instructed his supporters to treat her with the “utmost respect” throughout the campaign.
“A lot of our supporters did, and then you’ve seen other folks who are not doing that,” he said.
Related: After Tense Houston Meeting, Talarico Promises Millions for Black Voter Outreach as Texans Demand Trust and Accountability
Crockett Remains Focused on Defeating Ken Paxton
Talarico said he and Crockett remain committed to the same goal: defeating Paxton and electing Democrats throughout Texas.
He noted that Crockett endorsed him and the rest of the Democratic ticket the morning after losing the primary, a move he acknowledged was difficult after a hard-fought campaign.
“She is now helping down-ballot candidates all over the state, which is critical if we’re gonna build the movement we need at a deep level in communities across Texas,” Talarico said. “She is doing the work, and she has done more than enough to help us.”
Talarico said winning the Senate race is ultimately his responsibility as the Democratic nominee.
He also left the door open for Crockett to join him at future campaign appearances.
“I would be honored to have the Congresswoman on the campaign trail,” he said. “She’s one of the most talented campaigners in the country.”
Talarico said he understands that Crockett is concentrating on down-ballot races but added that she has an open invitation to campaign alongside him before Election Day.
The public praise follows Crockett’s apparent humorous reaction to Talarico’s viral defense, as Democrats worked to move beyond lingering primary tensions.
Black Voters Could Decide Democrats’ Chances in Texas
No Democrat has won a U.S. Senate election in Texas since 1988, making strong participation among Black voters essential to Talarico’s chances against Paxton.
Talarico has increased his outreach in Black communities across the state, including town halls, church visits and meetings with local political and civic leaders.
A June New York Times/Siena College poll found Talarico and Paxton tied at 47% statewide. The poll also showed 80% of likely Black voters supporting Talarico, slightly higher than the 78% who supported Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa and the 78% who recalled voting for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
However, 12% of Black voters surveyed held a “very unfavorable” view of Talarico, indicating that his campaign still has work to do. The statewide race remains highly competitive, with recent polling and fundraising totals drawing national attention.
Talarico said his campaign will continue addressing issues that disproportionately affect Black Texans, including voting restrictions, maternal mortality, housing costs, health care and disparities in state funding for historically Black colleges and universities.
“We’re going to keep talking about the issues that are facing Black communities across the state,” he said.
Talarico noted that Black women in Texas face a maternal mortality crisis that is three times deadlier than it is for white women. He also called for bringing funding for HBCUs to parity and expanding access to affordable housing and universal health care.
“We’re gonna do that with and for Black Texans all over this state,” he said.
His outreach comes as the campaign enters a decisive stage. Talarico must unite Crockett’s supporters, energize voters who do not regularly participate in midterm elections and persuade Texans who have historically favored Republican candidates statewide.
Whether his public defense of Crockett can help rebuild trust remains to be seen, but Talarico is making clear that attacks against his former opponent will not be part of the campaign he intends to lead.
