Full Breakdown
Kamala Harris Endorses Jasmine Crockett in Texas Senate Primary
2/28/2026, 2:39:23 AM
Endorsement and Campaign Dynamics
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has endorsed U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett in the competitive Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator John Cornyn. Harris recorded a robocall urging Texas Democrats to support Crockett, emphasizing her experience and ability to challenge Donald Trump and his allies. “Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate,” Harris states in the call, which was first reported by The Texas Tribune. The primary election is set for March 3, 2026, and early voting concluded on February 27.
Crockett is in a tight race against state Representative James Talarico, with recent polling showing them nearly tied—Talarico at 44.4% and Crockett at 44.1%. The outcome of this primary is crucial for both parties, as it could influence control of the Senate in the upcoming elections. Harris's endorsement marks her first significant political engagement since her presidential campaign in 2024, where Crockett served as a national co-chair.
Background and Relationship
Crockett has described her relationship with Harris as one of mentorship and friendship, stating that she consulted with Harris before entering the Senate race. “I wasn’t going to make this decision without having some real conversations with the vice president,” Crockett noted in a podcast interview. This connection has been a focal point of Crockett's campaign, as she positions herself as a strong advocate for Democratic values in a state where the party has struggled to gain traction.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite her strong backing from Harris, Crockett faces skepticism regarding her electability. Some party members worry that her outspoken style may alienate moderate voters. In contrast, Talarico has emphasized his appeal to a broader electorate, including independents and Republicans, which he argues is essential in a predominantly Republican state. Crockett has also critiqued the Democratic Party's past strategies, suggesting that they have focused too heavily on appealing to Republicans at the expense of energizing the Democratic base.
Official Statements and Responses
Harris's robocall encourages voters to cast their ballots early or on Election Day, stating, “It’s time to turn Texas blue.” This sentiment reflects a broader Democratic strategy to reclaim ground in Texas, a state that has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. The stakes are high, as both parties recognize the potential impact of this primary on the national political landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate.” — Kamala Harris, Former Vice President
- “I wasn’t going to make this decision without having some real conversations with the vice president,” — Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative
- “It’s time to turn Texas blue.” — Kamala Harris, Former Vice President
What's Next
As the primary approaches, both candidates are ramping up their campaigns. The results will not only determine the Democratic nominee but also set the stage for the general election, where the dynamics of a competitive Senate race will unfold in a state critical to both parties' strategies.
