As early voting kicks off across Texas for the 2026 primary elections, the race for the U.S. Senate seat has taken center stage, capturing the attention of political observers and voters alike. With the first ballots being cast from February 17 through February 27, and Primary Election Day set for March 3, Texans are gearing up to decide who will represent the Democratic and Republican parties in one of the most consequential Senate contests in decades, according to CBS Texas, Austin American-Statesman, and Texas Public Radio.
On the Democratic side, the battle is shaping up as a contest not just of policy, but of style, identity, and generational change. The two frontrunners—U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and state Rep. James Talarico of Austin—are both unapologetic progressives and millennials, with Talarico at 36 and Crockett at 44. Both are seen as rising stars in the Democratic Party, not only within Texas but also on the national stage, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman.
Yet, despite their similarities, the contrasts between Crockett and Talarico are coming into sharp focus as the campaign heats up. Crockett, who would become the first Black U.S. senator from Texas if elected, has built her reputation as a fierce opponent of former President Donald Trump and the Republican establishment. Her campaign launch video, in fact, was a montage of barbs she has traded with Trump himself. Crockett’s legislative resume includes one term in the Texas House and two terms in Congress, giving her a blend of state and federal experience.
Talarico, meanwhile, is in his fourth term in the Texas House and has distinguished himself by weaving his Christian faith into his political persona. According to the Austin American-Statesman, he often frames debates with references to his studies to become a Presbyterian minister. Talarico’s campaign is rooted in a message of moral conviction, positioning himself as a Christian liberal who, as Texas Public Radio notes, wants voters to "demand more from their government." During a recent stop at the University of North Texas in Denton, covered by CBS Texas, Talarico emphasized this blend of faith and progressive politics.
Both candidates share a commitment to progressive economic reforms. Talarico has called for raising income and capital gains taxes on the wealthiest Americans, arguing this would "make more money available for programs to help ordinary citizens." Crockett, for her part, has echoed similar sentiments, stating she wants to "make billionaires and the largest corporations pay their fair share." These shared priorities highlight a Democratic consensus around addressing income inequality, though each candidate brings their own rhetorical flair and policy nuance to the table.
Immigration policy is another area where Crockett and Talarico have staked out reform-minded positions, though neither has endorsed the most radical proposals. During the campaign’s only debate, both called for changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but stopped short of demanding its abolition. Talarico advocated for "repeal and replacement with an agency that actually is going to focus on public safety," while Crockett labeled ICE a "rogue agency" and said Congress should "clean house from top to bottom." Their approaches reflect a desire for systemic change without alienating moderate voters—a delicate balancing act in a state as politically complex as Texas.
The specter of Donald Trump continues to loom large over the race. Both Crockett and Talarico have stated that they believe Trump has committed impeachable offenses. Crockett was unequivocal: "I think that there is more than enough to impeach Donald Trump. Ultimately, do I think we should go through the formal process? Absolutely." Talarico concurred, saying, "I think the administration has certainly committed impeachable offenses." These positions are likely to energize Democratic primary voters, particularly in the major metropolitan areas where turnout will be critical.
But the Democratic primary is only half the story. On the Republican side, incumbent Senator John Cornyn is facing significant challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Cornyn, now seeking a fifth term, is touting his experience in Washington, but the far-right wing of the party appears restless. Both Paxton and Hunt are vying for the support of the MAGA base, though, as Texas Public Radio reports, former President Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate. This uncertainty has injected additional drama into the GOP contest, with the outcome potentially shaping the general election landscape.
The stakes for both parties are enormous. Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988—a fact that looms over the current crop of candidates. Crockett was seven years old when that last Democratic victory occurred; Talarico was not yet born. The Republican majority in the Senate currently stands at 53-47, and a Democratic win in Texas, combined with gains in other states, could shift the balance of power in Washington.
Adding another layer of complexity, this is the first primary since Texas completed its 2025 redistricting. Many voters are discovering that they now reside in different congressional districts with new candidates on their ballots. Texas uses an open primary system, meaning voters need not be registered with a party to participate, but must choose either the Republican or Democratic primary when casting their vote—a decision that also determines which party’s runoff they can vote in later. Election officials are urging voters to confirm their registration, review sample ballots, and double-check district lines to avoid confusion and keep lines moving smoothly as turnout builds toward March 3.
The outcome of the Democratic primary will likely hinge on turnout in Texas’s major cities and among younger and suburban voters, demographics that have become increasingly important in recent cycles. Crockett’s reputation as a formidable opponent of the Republican administration and Talarico’s appeal as a faith-driven reformer are both being put to the test as they crisscross the state, seeking to energize their respective bases while also reaching out to independents and moderates.
Meanwhile, the Republican primary promises its own fireworks. With Paxton’s Senate bid creating a vacancy in the attorney general’s office, a crowded field has emerged, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and several state lawmakers. These races, too, are being shaped by debates over immigration, public corruption, and the state’s approach to federal litigation. The outcome will set the tone for the general election and could influence the direction of Texas politics for years to come.
As the primary season unfolds, Texans are being asked to make choices that will reverberate far beyond their state’s borders. The contest between Crockett and Talarico, in particular, is a window into the evolving identity of the Democratic Party in Texas—one that is younger, more diverse, and increasingly assertive on issues of economic justice and social reform. Whether that new identity can break the GOP’s decades-long hold on the Senate remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the eyes of the nation are watching, and the outcome will help shape the future of American politics.