Crockett, Talarico go head to head — by largely agreeing
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Texas State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) before a debate in Georgetown. Photo: Bob Daemmrich/The Texas Tribune/Bloomberg via Getty Images
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico consistently agree on one thing in their bid for U.S. Senate: a Democrat needs to flip the seat in Texas.
Why it matters: A Democrat hasn't won a statewide election in Texas since 1994, and Texans haven't sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988.
Catch up quick: Crockett and Talarico are vying for the seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn, who was first elected in 2002.
- Cornyn, known to be a formidable GOP fundraiser, faces a significant primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The latest: The Dallas congresswoman and Austin state representative shared their platforms during a debate Saturday in Georgetown hosted by labor union Texas AFL-CIO.
- The Democrats differ slightly in their approach to fighting the Republican establishment in Washington, D.C., with Crockett likening herself to a "street fighter" and Talarico saying "we need a teacher in the Senate."
The intrigue: Both candidates have countered the moderate approach of many Texas Democrats, leaning instead into progressive ideals — and they've amassed a large social media following as a result.
- Talarico, a 36-year-old seminarian and former public school teacher, has called some Republican legislation "un-Christian." He has appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast, prompting the podcaster to tell him to run for president.
- Crockett, a 44-year-old former public defender, has gotten national attention — including President Trump's — for her occasionally crass rhetoric about political opponents.
What they're saying: Crockett said she's better equipped for the U.S. Senate because she has earned a name for herself in the House. "He's actually been elected longer than I have been elected. Yet he's not as known right now, because I have engaged in these fights."
- Meanwhile, Talarico said he and the congresswoman mostly agree on the issues, but he is best equipped to fight the billionaires "who right now are running this country, running this economy."
- "We need someone who has stood up to those billionaires in our nation's capital," Talarico said, referencing his opposition to Texas school vouchers.
The big picture: Crockett and Talarico largely agreed on key issues, including rolling back tariffs, increasing taxes for the richest Americans and reducing funding for ICE.
- Both Democrats also said the president's power needs to be checked by Congress.
On the economy, Crockett wants to end Trump's tariffs, increase wages and protect workers' rights.
- Talarico supports ending the tariffs and wants to focus on capping prescription costs, providing universal early childhood education and banning Wall Street investors from buying up housing stock.
Key differences: Talarico repeatedly brought up Paxton, saying the goal this election should be "stopping Ken Paxton."
- Crockett focused more on Trump and his executive powers, saying the president "thinks he's a king."
The other side: The focus on Paxton hinted that Democrats think he'll win the Republican nomination, to which Cornyn posted on X, "They wish."
- Both Cornyn and Paxton criticized the Democratic candidates for their positions, particularly on immigration.
Reality check: The Republicans also each shared a clip of Talarico talking about the Texas border, but the clip did not include his full quote.
- Talarico's full statement was: "What I've said is that our southern border should be like our front porch. There should be a giant welcome mat out front and a lock on the door."
What's next: Early voting begins Feb. 17.
- Election day is March 3.