James Talarico Squeezes Jasmine Crockett In 'Ugly' Texas Senate Race

The Texas congresswoman is facing questions about her campaign strategy as her Democratic opponent James Talarico continues to gain momentum.

DALLAS, Texas — There was a very obvious hurdle on Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s path to the Democratic Senate nomination in Texas: Electability. And with less than two weeks to go before the March 3 election, she has not been able to clear it.

When she first announced her campaign for Senate on the last possible day in November, it seemed like the Texas congresswoman was in the driver’s seat. Former Rep. Colin Allred dropped out of the race as soon as it became evident Crockett would run, giving her a chance to consolidate Black voters in the state. Her national profile as an anti-Trump warrior and her reputation as a strong fundraiser meant she would have the name identification and cash to make herself the frontrunner in a battle with state Rep. James Talarico.

With early voting now underway, however, it’s clear doubts are lingering in voters’ minds about Crockett’s ability to win in November even though she and her allies have relentlessly worked to push back on the idea she can’t triumph in a general election.

At the root of the debate is not ideology — both Crockett and Talarico are mainstream liberals — but questions about Crockett’s assertions she can win simply by motivating Democratic base voters, especially Black voters and Latinos, to turn out. Talarico, by contrast, often discusses his religious beliefs and the role they play in politics, a message that could appeal to a broader electorate in a conservative state like Texas.

And some Democratic voters think Talarico’s message is more likely to work in November.