Texas state Representative James Talarico secured the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate last month with strong backing from white college graduates and Hispanic voters. However, his path to victory in November’s general election may depend on winning over a demographic that largely didn’t support him during the primary: Black voters.
The white Presbyterian seminary student, who has made his Christian beliefs central to his campaign, prevailed over U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, an African American congresswoman known for her forceful attacks on former President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers.
Since no Democrat has won a statewide Texas race since 1994, Talarico must build bridges with many of Crockett’s supporters, some of whom were offended when his backers questioned whether she could defeat a Republican opponent in the fall.
Though Crockett entered the race late and lacked her rival’s campaign organization and fundraising strength, many of her supporters viewed suggestions that a white state legislator was more electable than a Black member of Congress as evidence of racial and gender bias.
“A lot of people took offense to that. Me personally included,” said state Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons, whose Houston district includes several historically Black neighborhoods. “They have to do the work to invest resources in reaching Black voters and making them feel centered and a part of this campaign.”
Primary results showed Talarico earning 1.21 million votes versus Crockett’s 1.07 million. However, in Texas’s 15 counties where at least 20% of eligible voters are Black, Crockett dominated with 57% support compared to Talarico’s 42%, according to Reuters data analysis.
Texas Democratic strategist Dallas Jones believes Talarico doesn’t require an “overwhelming surge” from Black voters, but must ensure they participate on Election Day.
“He cannot win this state without the support of Black Texans,” Jones said.
The GOP currently controls the U.S. Senate 53-47, and while Texas isn’t central to national Democratic plans for retaking the chamber, an upset victory would create additional opportunities for November gains. Even a competitive race could force Republicans to redirect crucial resources from swing states to defend what might become the nation’s most expensive Senate contest.
A spokesperson for Senate Democrats’ campaign organization said candidates aren’t assuming any voter support.
At 36 years old, Talarico built his primary campaign around broadening appeal beyond traditional Democratic constituencies. Now he must balance courting swing voters while earning Black community trust.
“We have to remember Black voters are the base of the party,” said Democratic strategist Bakari Sellers.
Talarico’s team informed Reuters they’re investing in grassroots outreach across Harris and Dallas counties, which have substantial Black populations, plus rural Black areas like Sand Branch, where they’re volunteering for clean water delivery and attending small community events.
“It’s on me to ensure Black Texans feel welcomed in, represented by, and proud of this campaign. That’s why we’re out doing the work right now to build the coalition we need to win in November: showing up everywhere to listen and to learn,” Talarico said in a statement to Reuters.
Community organizers say Talarico must address Black voter priorities including joblessness, expensive housing, and healthcare affordability over the coming months.
“When it comes to Talarico, they are talking about what is he going to do to help those Black women who lost their federal jobs regain employment?” said Brianna Brown, executive director of the Texas Organizing Project, a nonpartisan organization that endorsed Crockett. “They’re talking about good-paying jobs — we’re still at a $7.25 minimum wage in Texas.”
Pearline Harper, a 72-year-old Dallas resident who voted for Crockett, said she believes the healthcare system has “neglected elders.” She holds Republicans, who control the White House and both chambers of Congress, responsible for her increasing medical expenses.
“I just want it to go back to when doctors were taking care of patients because they were sick, not because … insurance companies tell them what they can do,” Harper said.
Talarico has been meeting with religious leaders to connect with Black Christian communities.
“We’re working to get him scheduled to come preach at our church. There’s been feedback from pastors that he’s genuine and humble,” said Pastor Richie Butler, who organized a roundtable discussion for Talarico in north Texas last month.
Butler originally backed Crockett but plans to support Talarico in November and will organize voter mobilization activities to increase Black participation.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who initially endorsed Crockett, threw his support behind Talarico after the nominee reached out via text message.
During their conversation, Ellis advised Talarico that victory would require engaging inconsistent Harris County voters and energizing Crockett supporters in East Texas for Election Day turnout.
“I’ve told him you’ve got to figure out a way to get her involved,” he said. “There’s a difference between someone endorsing you and being for you.”
Political analysts warn Talarico’s challenge is just starting, with either Republican emerging from the May 26 runoff — U.S. Senator John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton — favored for November. Trump hasn’t endorsed either GOP candidate.
“James Talarico is the underdog. He can’t make the assumption that he’s destined to get somewhere around 90% of the Black vote,” said Andra Gillespie, an associate professor at Emory University.
Simmons, the state representative who supported Crockett, praised Talarico’s team for early outreach to Black officials and community leaders but told his campaign, “Y’all have a lot of work to do to get support and trust and rebuild some bonds in the Black community.”
“It’s not enough for people like me that have served with him and know him to go out in our communities and say, ‘Vote blue, no matter who,’” she told Reuters. “It can’t be assumed that we’re just going to support whoever’s on the ticket.”
