Nathan Hunsinger, Emma Rub
Audio By Carbonatix
The Texas air might be absolutely frigid this weekend, but the race for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Texas is about as hot as it could possibly be. The race between Texas Rep. James Talarico from Round Rock and U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett from Dallas has become arguably the most talked-about contest of the primary season anywhere in the U.S.
Both Talarico and Crockett have seen their national profiles increase due to viral moments showcasing their liberal bona fides, but the different ways they’ve gained attention have brought more attention to this race. The New York Times recently ran a story contrasting Talarico’s calm demeanor with Crockett’s more bombastic approach when addressing her critics and possible opponents.
That contrast in styles is what made Saturday’s debate, or the idea of it at least, so intriguing. Politically, the two candidates align in many ways. There were never going to be many battles over most of the top hot-button issues, such as abortion, immigration and President Donald Trump. And predictably, the debate began with participants answering questions about whether their respective styles made them the more electable Democrat.
Neither candidate took aim at the other, choosing, more or less, to repeat campaign-trail talking points that focus on selling themselves rather than attacking the other. Crockett came closest to throwing the first punch by citing unnamed polling she said showed her well ahead of her opponent in a few key demographics, something she’s done regularly outside the debate. Talarico acted as if he hadn’t heard it and didn’t respond to or refute her polling claims.
A few minutes later, Crockett again came close to taking a shot at Talarico while diplomatically avoiding a direct hit by noting the two had served in the Texas House together, but that thanks to her current national office and high-profile battles, more people know who she is because of the “fights” she has taken on. Unsurprisingly, Talarico took that moment to let the audience know that he and Crockett agree on many things, including their desire to defeat the Republicans. When doing so, he only mentioned Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton by name, completely ignoring the incumbent, John Cornyn.
For a debate between two candidates who have inspired so many social media likes, shares and views, the debate offered very little excitement or spontaneity. Playing it safe, however, is understandable at this point, with the primary election just a few weeks away. But it’s difficult to imagine a Democratic voter changing their mind one way or the other as a result of the views expressed during the debate.
There were moments where the candidates displayed their differences in approach more explicitly. A question from a Dallas postal worker asking what legislation each would try to pass in order to avoid another death similar to Eugene Gates, the Dallas man who died in 2023 while working as a letter carrier from the effects of extreme heat.
Crockett showed emotion when referring to her experience in Washington as a vocal proponent of such legislation, noting that Gates was her constituent. Talarico, who does not have federal governing experience, replied that he would move to abolish the filibuster, which he said often prevents laws like the one in question from being passed. He then quoted the Bible as he took aim at the Republicans, who he says call themselves Christians, who have stood in the way of legislation that would help people.
In his closing statement, Talarico referred to Crokcett as his friend. Crockett followed up with a reminder that she’s a target of Republican hate. It was a tame end to an hour that was more infomercial than debate.
If nothing else, the hour gave a concrete preview, if one was needed, of what the eventual nominee will likely sound off on leading up to the November election. Trump’s immigration policies and ICE, the effects of tariffs and affordable healthcare were topics each candidate blasted Republicans on, and will surely be buttons that get mashed with frequency as the year progresses.
