James Talarico wins Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas

2026 Texas U.S. Senate Democratic primary, James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas

State Representative James Talarico has won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas, defeating U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in a high-profile and closely watched contest. The Associated Press and multiple major outlets have called the race in his favor.

Talarico, 36, ran a campaign that mixed policy progressivism with appeals to faith, cultural outreach, and economic populism, aiming to broaden the Democratic base in a traditionally Republican state. Crockett, known for her combative style and base-focused approach, mounted a spirited challenge but ultimately fell short.

• Historic opportunity for Democrats: Texas hasn’t elected a Democratic U.S. Senator since the 1990s, and Talarico’s win sets up a potential flip moment in the November general election — especially with Republicans facing their own runoff battle. 

• High turnout and attention: The primary saw strong turnout and became one of the most expensive Senate primaries in U.S. history, with both candidates drawing national attention and outside spending.

• Larger narrative in the party: The contest reflected an internal Democratic debate over strategy: whether to energize the base with more confrontational politics or try to appeal to moderates and independents — a debate that will carry into the general election. 

Talarico will face the Republican nominee in November’s general election. On the GOP side, incumbent John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton appear headed toward a runoff to determine their party’s nominee.