Allred Fires Back at Talarico Over Alleged 'Mediocre Black Man' Remark in Texas Primary Spat
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
AUSTIN, Texas — A simmering Democratic primary contest for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas erupted into public view Monday as former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred launched a scathing social media critique against state Rep. James Talarico. Allred accused Talarico of referring to him as a "mediocre Black man" while contrasting him with primary opponent Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Allred, a former NFL linebacker who unsuccessfully challenged Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024, posted a video response directly addressing the reported remarks. The incident highlights the increasingly tense dynamics within the Texas Democratic Party as it seeks to unify behind a candidate for the crucial Senate race.
"I understand that James Talarico... said he had signed up to run against a mediocre Black man—meaning me—not a formidable, intelligent Black woman, meaning Jasmine Crockett," Allred stated in the video, filmed post-workout. "Let me just break this down."
Allred's rebuttal focused on three core arguments. First, he criticized what he described as a divisive tactic of praising Black women at the expense of Black men. "We're tired of folks using praise for Black women to mask criticism for Black men," he said. "That's not good for our community."
Second, he suggested the insult revealed more about Talarico himself. "Maybe you use the word 'mediocre' because there's something creeping into your mind about yourself," Allred posited, questioning Talarico's unique standing in a party that already includes figures like Sen. Raphael Warnock.
Finally, Allred directed a message of resilience to young Black men aspiring to leadership. "Haters like this are gonna show up... You can walk out there with your shoulders back and your head held high," he asserted, framing the criticism as an unmasking of true character.
He concluded with an explicit endorsement: "Go vote for Jasmine Crockett. This man should not be our nominee... Don't come for me unless I send for you, okay, James? And keep my name out of your mouth."
The public airing of this grievance underscores the high stakes of the primary, where Crockett, a progressive firebrand, faces Talarico, who has cultivated a profile as a pragmatic progressive. Allred's decision to intervene, despite not being a candidate in this race, signals his continued influence and the perceived severity of the alleged comment.
Reaction & Analysis:
"This is exactly the kind of internal drama Democrats don't need right now," said Michael Ruiz, a political science professor at University of Texas at Austin. "Allred's response was calculated—it defends his legacy while aligning him with Crockett's coalition. But the 'he-said-he-said' nature of personal disputes can alienate swing voters."
"Allred is 100% right to call this out," said Denise Carter, a community organizer from Dallas. "It's that subtle, backhanded racism that pretends to be complimentary. Using identity as a political weapon within the same community is destructive. Talarico needs to answer for this directly."
"Oh please, this is just performative outrage," snapped conservative commentator Ben Harris. "Allred lost his big race and is now stirring the pot for relevance. Talarico might have been clumsy, but the left eats its own over wording while Republicans are focused on actual policy. It's a pathetic spectacle."
"The strategic implications are fascinating," noted political consultant Lisa Wang. "By framing himself as a defender of Black dignity and explicitly endorsing Crockett, Allred is consolidating his base and positioning for future influence, whether Talarico or Crockett wins the nomination."