Jasmine Crockett Reacts After James Talarico Defends Her Against Supporters
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett appeared to signal that a major political endorsement could be coming after Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico publicly defended her from attacks by some of his own supporters.
Talarico’s forceful remarks came Sunday during a Houston town hall attended primarily by Black voters, a constituency his campaign is working aggressively to mobilize ahead of the November general election.
“If you claim to be my supporter, if you claim to be a part of this movement that we are building, please keep Congresswoman Crockett’s name out of your mouth,” Talarico said as the audience applauded.
Crockett Teases a ‘Shocking Endorsement’
After video of Talarico’s comments circulated widely online, Crockett posted a message Monday suggesting she may soon make an endorsement that could surprise some of her critics.
“I’m probably about to make a shocking endorsement 😂. Some of the trolls gonna be hella mad! Stay tuned 🤣😅. I’m checking on a few more things, but I don’t know how I sit this one out!” Crockett wrote.
Crockett did not name Talarico directly. However, the timing of her post fueled speculation that she was preparing to formally endorse her former Democratic primary opponent.
Talarico defeated Crockett in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary in March. Crockett urged her supporters to back him immediately after conceding, but she has since faced criticism from some Democrats who argue she has not done enough to help his general election campaign against Republican nominee Ken Paxton.
That criticism intensified when Crockett did not attend the Texas Democratic Convention, prompting renewed speculation about lingering tension between the two lawmakers.
Also Read: Jasmine Crockett Calls Texas Senate Primary Loss a ‘Racist Race’
Crockett said her focus has instead been on recruiting and supporting candidates in down-ballot races, where Democratic victories could strengthen the party’s overall performance in November.
Talarico Calls Crockett a Friend and Party Asset
Talarico sought to put rumors of a political feud to rest during Sunday’s town hall, describing Crockett as a longtime friend dating back to their service together in the Texas House of Representatives.
“She doesn’t need to be doing any of this, but she is recruiting, supporting, fundraising for down-ballot candidates all over this state, all over this country, and that is how we’re going to win,” Talarico said.
“If the congresswoman can turn some of her star power onto these races that don’t get enough attention, that’s a game changer.”
The comments were widely praised as an example of Talarico confronting supporters rather than allowing attacks against a former political rival to continue unchecked.
Actress and political activist Kerry Washington applauded both candidates in a social media response.
“I looooooove me some @jasmineforus AND I am a true fan of @jamestalarico – for these comments and for sooooo many others – he’s a real one,” Washington wrote.
Some Talarico Supporters Push Back
Not everyone welcomed Talarico’s rebuke.
Progressive political commentator Keith Edwards said he believed Talarico’s comments were partly directed at him following his criticism of Crockett’s primary campaign strategy.
“I was made aware that James Talarico was asked to ‘rebuke’ me at a campaign event today,” Edwards wrote.
He said his criticism was based on his belief that Crockett did not have the right strategy to win statewide in Texas, adding, “I hope Texas dems get serious. This is embarrassing.”
Despite the internal disagreement, Talarico’s broader challenge remains securing strong turnout among Black voters, a crucial Democratic constituency in Texas.
His campaign has committed $25 million toward Black voter outreach as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election against Paxton.
Crockett’s formal support could provide Talarico with one of the most influential Democratic voices in Texas and help quiet months of speculation about whether the former primary rivals were truly united heading into the general election.
