James Talarico won the Democratic nomination for a US Senate seat in Texas on Tuesday, capping a remarkable rise from state lawmaker and seminary student to the party’s standard-bearer in one of the key races of the 2026 midterm cycle.

With his blend of faith-based populism, bipartisan appeal and generational energy, Talarico defeated Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a firebrand beloved by the party’s base but who struggled to dispel concerns that she could defeat a Republican in a state that has not elected a Democrat statewide in more than 30 years.

A jubilant Talarico told supporters in Austin before the race was called: “We are not just trying to win an election. We are trying to fundamentally change our politics. And it’s working.”

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[–] 19 points 8 months ago

Appearances can be deceiving. From what I've read, Talarico seems the more progressive of the two. If he wins, we'll find out--the system is entrenched and hard to buck for anyone, until enough more progressive members are there to form a coalition with some power.

But I have no doubt that no matter what, he'll be vastly better than if the R wins. I'm much more worried about Platner turning out to be a Fetterman/Sinema than I am about Talarico.

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