Texas state Rep. James Talarico claimed the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday night, defeating U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the most expensive Democratic primary Texas has seen in decades. The Associated Press called the race early Wednesday, with Talarico leading 53% to 46% with roughly 83% of the expected vote counted.
Talarico, 36, an eighth-generation Texan, former middle school teacher and recent seminary graduate, outpaced Crockett dramatically in fundraising - raising $20.7 million to her $8.6 million through mid-February. He campaigned on a populist, faith-rooted message he argued could appeal beyond the Democratic base. Crockett, a 44-year-old Dallas congresswoman backed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, had led most public polls since entering the race in December. Having left her House seat to run statewide, she now faces a difficult path back to Congress.
On the Republican side, no candidate cleared the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn led with roughly 42%, followed closely by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at 41%. Rep. Wesley Hunt drew about 13%, splitting enough of the vote to deny either frontrunner an outright win. Cornyn and Paxton will advance to a May 26 runoff, with the winner facing Talarico in the November 2026 general election.
The general election sets up a steep climb for Democrats - Texas hasn't elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. Still, party strategists point to Trump's declining approval ratings, shifting Latino voter allegiances, and the costly Republican runoff still ahead as potential openings.
Tuesday's voting wasn't without complications. Both Dallas County and Williamson County saw disruptions after Republicans ended county-wide vote centers, requiring voters to cast ballots only at their specifically assigned precincts. Talarico addressed the issue from the stage, raising concerns about voter access in both his home county and Crockett's.
According to ad-tracking firm AdImpact, more than $125 million was spent across both parties' Texas Senate contests, making it the most expensive primary season in the country this cycle.
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