Democratic Unity in Question as Texas Election Approaches

Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett has yet to decide if she will actively support James Talarico’s Texas Senate campaign. Crockett told The Dallas Morning News she has “no idea” about her involvement. Her statement follows a tight primary election in March, where Talarico, a Texas state representative, won the party’s nomination over Crockett. He will now compete against Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the general election in November.

Questions about Crockett’s support arise as Texas Democrats prepare for their state convention. Crockett said she does not plan to attend the convention, focusing more on down-ballot races nationwide. When asked about actively supporting Talarico’s campaign, she reiterated her uncertainty, “I have no idea. I am more focused on down-ballot races in general.”

Her remarks about a perceived “afterthought invite” to the Texas Democratic Party convention have heightened concerns about her relationship with Talarico. Crockett said she missed a call from Talarico and had not returned it, nor listened to the message. Party officials disputed her characterization, stating she has been invited since March. Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder confirmed her longstanding invitation, saying, “She has certainly been invited to the convention and continues to have a standing invite. We would love to have her there.” Talarico’s campaign mentioned reaching out to Crockett with an idea for her as a keynote speaker.

Crockett also questioned the party’s unity behind Talarico and the statewide ticket, especially among Black voters, suggesting the absence of a Black candidate in major races might affect voter enthusiasm. “I’ve not heard a bunch of kumbaya,” she said. “People don’t seem to be convinced at this point, but there’s a lot of time between now and November.”

Grant Davis Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, commented on the situation, suggesting this might indicate future party dysfunctions. He noted, “Crockett’s comments were damning in their absence of praise or support, and certainly do not help the party’s cause in the general election.” Adding, “Each candidate in the Democratic primary tried to make the case that they’d be the better choice for the general election, so I’m not sure why she is apparently taking offense at Talarico’s campaign for making that argument.” Crockett and Talarico both emphasize the importance of beating Republicans in November. Whether Crockett will join Talarico’s campaign might test Democratic unity.

Recent polling shows a tight race. A Quantus Insights poll has Paxton leading Talarico 45% to 43%, with 7% undecided. Another poll by Texas Pulse Poll shows Talarico and Paxton tied at 46%, with 3% opting for another candidate. Both polls conducted in early June among likely Texas voters have small margins of error.