James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, faces an uphill battle to unite his party after a contentious primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas). With nearly 3 million Black voters in Texas, winning their support is essential if Democrats hope to flip the seat blue in November — but interviews with congregants at Friendship-West Baptist Church and Black power brokers across the state reveal lingering skepticism about Talarico's candidacy.

Talarico won the March primary after Crockett conceded and endorsed him. In the weeks since, he has visited some Black churches, held meetings with faith leaders and elected officials, and block-walked in majority-Black cities. However, frustration persists among voters at Friendship-West — Crockett's home church where Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III is pastor — who say they have yet to hear from him directly.

What the Left Is Saying

Crystal Chism, president of the Dallas County chapter of Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, argued that party unity must take priority. "We don't have time to remain in our feelings," she said. "We need to make the main thing the main thing, and that's getting Talarico elected."

Antjuan Seawright, a longtime Democratic strategist who has advised the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, acknowledged that Black voters have felt taken for granted by the party over time. "Black voters have been let down over time," he said. "What some may not understand is that our vote, more so than any other constituency in the history of this country, has always been a demonstration of our trust, but our trust has either been taken for granted or has always been on the chopping block by a number of people."

Talarico himself emphasized his commitment to earning Black voters' support. "My top priority is bringing our coalition back together, and that is specifically reaching out to Black Texans," he said in an interview. "There's no way to win Texas without winning the trust and the support of Black voters. Period. Full stop." He also said he would "love" to visit Friendship-West soon.

What the Right Is Saying

Alan Williams, a Crockett voter and Friendship-West congregant, said Talarico needs to do more to earn votes rather than assume they are automatic. "Come and make the ask. Come and try to earn the vote," he said. "I think he thinks our vote is just a default and he doesn't have to earn it."

David Malcolm McGruder, executive pastor at Friendship-West, expressed concern about candidates who show up during elections but disappear afterward. "We have people who show up in our churches during the election season, but who don't show up for us at the level of policy beyond November," he said.

Russell Maryland, former No. 1 NFL draft pick and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys who voted for Crockett in the primary, was blunt about Talarico's challenge. "He's got his work cut out for him," Maryland noted. "He's gonna have to work to win over Jasmine's supporters. … Talarico will really need to put his fingers in the ground, so to speak in football terms, and kick up some dust."

Worshippers at Friendship-West also pointed to a February TV ad run by a PAC supporting Talarico that featured the tagline "If she wins, we lose." Crockett claimed the ad darkened her skin and called it bigoted. Talarico emphasized the PAC was not affiliated with his campaign.

What the Numbers Show

Black voters represent a significant constituency in Texas — nearly 3 million people who largely broke for Crockett in the March primary. Black Texans are overwhelmingly committed Democrats, making them essential to any statewide Democratic victory.

The primary race was contentious and included last-minute complications: a rule change in Dallas County caused thousands of voters to be turned away from polls or have their ballots invalidated on primary Election Day — an issue that affected Crockett's home base.

While Crockett quickly conceded the March race and endorsed Talarico, she has not yet hit the campaign trail publicly on his behalf. Through a spokesperson, Crockett declined an interview request for this story. Talarico said he and Crockett have "exchanged a few messages" since the primary and that he would "love nothing more" than to have her campaigning alongside him.

Several Texas Democratic strategists are concerned about whether the party will adequately engage Black voters in the months ahead — and worry that Black voters could be blamed if Talarico loses in November.

The Bottom Line

Talarico has roughly six months before the general election to convince skeptical Black voters who supported Crockett to turn out for him. He has begun outreach efforts, but key voices in the Black community say he must do more than visit churches — he must demonstrate sustained commitment beyond campaign season.

Crockett's lack of public campaigning for Talarico remains a notable gap, though she endorsed him immediately after conceding. Whether party leaders can bridge these divisions and mobilize Black voters will be critical to Democratic hopes of winning the Texas Senate seat in November.