State lawmaker beats Jasmine Crockett in fiercely contested election marked by record turnout and confusion at polls

James Talarico won the Democratic nomination for a US Senate seat in Texas on Tuesday, capping a remarkable rise from state lawmaker and seminary student to the party’s standard-bearer in one of the key races of the 2026 midterm cycle.

With his blend of faith-based populism, bipartisan appeal and generational energy, Talarico defeated Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a firebrand beloved by the party’s base but who struggled to dispel concerns that she could defeat a Republican in a state that has not elected a Democrat statewide in more than 30 years.

A jubilant Talarico told supporters in Austin before the race was called: “We are not just trying to win an election. We are trying to fundamentally change our politics. And it’s working.”

  • Sharkticon@lemmy.zip
    443·
    1 day ago

    ITT: neoliberal shits trying hard to drive a false narrative cause they are terrified progressive candidates are coming for them. You should be. We are gonna throw you corporate slaves out.

    • TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world
      151·
      1 day ago

      We are gonna throw you corporate slaves out.

      Blue MAGA has no place in the future DNC and this scares the shit out of them. White, middle class, “as long as its the Dems doing it, its fine” voters have had their identity catered to for the ENTIRETY of the modern manifestation of the Democratic party.

      That period is coming to an end.

    • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.worldEnglish
      94·
      1 day ago

      Anyone who thinks Talarico won’t align with the neoliberal shits the moment he steps into office is either very naive or very foolish. His state voting record says he’s more than happy to play ball with the Libs.

      That said, way better than a Paxton or Cornyn. I’ll take the liberal Christian over the Christian Fascist any day.

    • NOT_RICK@lemmy.worldEnglish
      45·
      1 day ago

      The false narrative being that Crockett took AIPAC money? What makes you feel that narrative is false?

      • njm1314@lemmy.world
        23·
        1 day ago

        I’m about 100% sure you’re reading that comment wrong. Considering Crockett was the more neoliberal candidate and was supported by the corporate DNC. The more progressive candidate who spoke out against corporate money and wants to go after billionaires won.