Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) said she will focus on "campaigning down ballot" in Texas, suggesting that she won't campaign with Democrat Senate nominee James Talarico after he defeated her in the party's primary for the seat.
Crockett defeated incumbent Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee before losing to Talarico in the Senate race primary. The exchange was first reported by CNN.
What the Left Is Saying
Some progressive Democrats argue that Crockett has every right to focus on her own district and constituents after a contentious primary cycle. Supporters note that she remains the Democratic nominee for Texas's 30th Congressional District, where voters elected her just two years ago.
Others within the party say they understand her position but worry publicly about division in a state where Democrats are trying to make gains. "We need everyone working together if we're going to flip this seat," one unnamed Democrat told The Hill.
What the Right Is Saying
Texas Republicans have seized on the split, with some arguing it signals weakness in Democratic organization ahead of November's general election. The Senate race is expected to be competitive in a state that has historically favored Republican candidates in statewide contests.
National Republican groups are likely to highlight any Democratic disunity as they seek to retain the seat currently held by Sen. Ted Cruz.
What the Numbers Show
Talarico defeated Crockett in the March primary for the Senate seat, finishing ahead of her and two other candidates. He will face the Republican nominee in November.
Crockett won re-election to her House seat in 2024 with approximately 75 percent of the vote in Texas's 30th Congressional District, a heavily Democratic district in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1991, when Lloyd Bentsen won his final term.
The Bottom Line
The tension between Crockett and Talarico reflects the difficult dynamics of competitive primaries where candidates who once competed against each other are now expected to unify for the general election. Whether Crockett ultimately campaigns with Talarico could affect Democratic turnout in November, particularly among progressive voters who supported her congressional campaign. Both candidates remain on the ballot this fall.