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Texas Senate Race Heats Up: Talarico Tops Fundraising

3/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

James Talarico leads the Texas Democratic Senate primary, with a viral Stephen Colbert interview boosting his fundraising to $2.5 million.
He faced controversy over alleged remarks about former Representative Colin Allred.
Jasmine Crockett, 44, is known for provocative remarks and a TikTok video with over 20 million views.
Both candidates highlight unique approaches to engage Texas voters.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 Texas Senate race marked a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape, as Beto O'Rourke raised over $80 million and energized young voters, with 1.5 million participating in early voting. Although he lost to Ted Cruz by 2.6%, the close race indicated a potential shift towards a more competitive political environment in Texas, influencing future campaigns and strategies.

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Story summary

James Talarico leads the Texas Democratic Senate primary, with a viral Stephen Colbert interview boosting his fundraising to $2.5 million.
He faced controversy over alleged remarks about former Representative Colin Allred.
Jasmine Crockett, 44, is known for provocative remarks and a TikTok video with over 20 million views.
Both candidates highlight unique approaches to engage Texas voters.

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