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NewsCBS News PoliticsMarch 4, 2026United States

James Talarico Wins Texas Democratic Senate Primary

Texas State Representative James Talarico has secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate after defeating Representative Jasmine Crockett. Talarico will advance to the general election to face the winner of the Republican primary runoff between Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

electionsTexasU.S. SenateDemocratic Partyvoter turnoutcampaign finance
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Why It Matters

This result determines the Democratic candidate for a high-profile U.S. Senate seat in Texas, setting the stage for a general election that will decide who represents the state's 30 million residents in Washington.

Key Facts

  • James Talarico won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
  • Talarico secured enough votes to avoid a runoff election.
  • Jasmine Crockett conceded the race and pledged support for the Democratic nominee.
  • The Republican primary for the same seat will proceed to a runoff on May 26 between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton.
  • 1.5 million votes were cast during the 11-day early voting period, more than double the turnout from four years ago.
  • A Dallas County judge's order to keep polls open two hours past 7 p.m. was stayed by the Texas Supreme Court, requiring late ballots to be separated.
  • Talarico raised $2.5 million in 24 hours following a controversy involving an FCC guidance-related interview cancellation on CBS.
  • Colin Allred withdrew from the Senate race in December to run for the House in District 33.
  • Democrats have not won a statewide race in Texas since 1994.

Who's Mentioned

other33“Texas House District number.”personJohn Cornyn“Incumbent Republican Senator facing a primary runoff.”personKen Paxton“Texas Attorney General facing a primary runoff.”personColin Allred“Former Senate candidate who withdrew to run for House District 33.”personTed Cruz“U.S. Senator.”personJasmine Crockett“U.S. Representative who conceded the primary race.”personBeto O'Rourke“Former Senate candidate who ran in 2018.”other38“Number of redrawn Texas House districts.”other11“Number of days in the early voting period.”dollar_amount$2.5 million“Amount raised by Talarico following a media controversy.”personJames Talarico“Texas State Representative and winner of the Democratic Senate primary.”