AUSTIN — State Rep. James Talarico defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett to win the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas, the Associated Press projected early Wednesday morning.
The victory gives the Democrats the candidate they viewed as the strongest chance to win in November, helping them take back the ruby-red Lone Star State.
Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian and former teacher from Round Rock, was not well known across Texas before entering the race in September. He rose in the rankings due to national exposure when “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert said he was not allowed to run an interview with Talarico because of potential FCC concerns at CBS.
Tuesday’s victory for Talarico was not without drama. A judge in Dallas County extended voting hours to 9 p.m. for Democrats, citing concerns that voters in certain Texas regions are being disenfranchised. However, the Texas Supreme Court swiftly intervened, temporarily blocking the order, asserting that voting should adhere strictly to the permitted regulations.
The issue arose after voting locations in certain counties, particularly Dallas and Williamson, were restricted to specific precincts. Voters and lawmakers in those regions reported mix-ups at election sites, causing individuals to show up at locations where they are not permitted to vote.
“We are still waiting for an official call, but we are confident in this movement we built together. Every vote must be counted, every voice must be heard,” Talarico said to supporters. “The voter suppression in my home county and Congresswoman Crockett’s home county underscores the gravity of this moment.”
Crockett told her supporters not to expect a final call on election night.
“I have no idea when we’re gonna get results, I don’t anticipate it will be tonight,” she said.
Texas Democrats have not won a statewide in three decades, but they believe they have a rare chance to flip the Senate seat in November, due to backlash to the Trump administration’s deportation efforts and handling of the economy.
