Texas Primary Rival Backs Crockett's Statewide Prospects, Citing Electability Debate
Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico expressed strong confidence in his primary rival's broader electoral prospects during a Monday appearance on ABC's "The View." When pressed by co-host Sunny Hostin on whether Representative Jasmine Crockett—should she win their primary—could secure a statewide victory in Texas, Talarico responded with an unequivocal "absolutely."
Hostin had framed the question around persistent "discourse around her electability," suggesting to many observers the subtext involves doubts about a Black woman's chances in Texas statewide politics. Crockett, a progressive firebrand, appeared on the program earlier this year, defending her candidacy and noting she is accustomed to being underestimated.
"I have deep love and respect for her. She is a leader in our state," Talarico stated, emphasizing party solidarity. "I've said before that if she wins this nomination, I will be behind her 1,000% and I will do everything I possibly can to get her over the finish line. We're on the same team."
Talarico, however, also outlined his own case for the nomination, highlighting his record of flipping a historically Republican state House district in a county that hadn't supported a Democratic presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter. "I did that by building a big tent... peeling people off from the middle and even from the right. That, to me, is the winning formula for Texas," he argued.
The exchange underscores a central tension within the Texas Democratic Party: whether to rally behind a high-profile progressive like Crockett or back a candidate like Talarico, who frames his appeal as a bridge to disaffected moderates and independents. The winner will face a steep historical climb; Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994.
During the wide-ranging interview, Talarico also called to "tear down" U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling it a "secret police force," and advocated for a new agency focused on public safety.
Voices from the Ground
Marcus Chen, Political Science Professor at University of Texas at Austin: "Talarico's endorsement is strategically savvy. It promotes unity while subtly reminding voters of his own electability argument. The real test is whether the Democratic base is more energized by ideological clarity or a pragmatic outreach message."
Deborah Ruiz, Democratic Organizer in San Antonio: "Finally, some respect for Jasmine! She's been a voice for communities often ignored. This isn't just about one race; it's about showing that Black women's leadership is not a liability but our party's strength. Talarico did the right thing here."
Gregory "Hardhat" Hankins, Construction Foreman in Lubbock: "More political theater. Talarico says he'll back her but spends half the interview talking about his own wins. Crockett wants to abolish ICE while our border's a disaster. Neither has a real plan for Texas families just trying to get by. It's all talk."
Priya Sharma, Young Voter Advocate in Houston: "The electability conversation is often a self-fulfilling prophecy. Seeing Talarico, a competitor, validate Crockett's potential matters. It might shift the narrative for undecided voters who are tired of the same old politics."