Texas Senate Race 2026: Rep. Jasmine Crockett Enters Democratic Primary
Rep. Jasmine Crockett has officially entered the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Texas, filing her paperwork just before the deadline. She will be up against Rep. James Talarico and faces a tough battle for the nomination. The Republican side is also competitive, with Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt vying for the GOP nomination. The general election is expected to be a costly race in the 2026 national cycle.
Former Rep. Colin Allred dropped out of the Senate race to run for the newly-drawn 33rd Congressional District in Dallas County. The Supreme Court approved the new congressional map for the 2026 election, which includes redrawing three Dallas-area districts represented by Democrats. Allred expressed concern about a divisive Democratic primary and decided to focus on a congressional run instead.
Crockett's decision to run for the Senate comes after discussions with Talarico and Allred about the race. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the general election and expanding the electorate to secure a win. Some Democrats believe that Paxton's political baggage could give them a chance to win a statewide seat for the first time in over 30 years.
Republican consultant Vinny Minchillo views Crockett as a polarizing candidate who may energize Republicans against her. He predicts a tough Republican primary with Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt in contention. The Senate race is expected to be fiercely competitive, with estimates suggesting it could cost at least $750 million.
Crockett's Senate bid means she will vacate the 30th Congressional District, which Rep. Marc Veasey plans to run for in the upcoming election. The district's redrawn boundaries mostly cover parts of Dallas County and eastern Tarrant County. Pastor Frederick Haynes III has also been approached to run for the 30th District.