Democrats warn James Talarico may lack crucial Black voter support in Texas Senate race

Democratic strategists are sounding the alarm that James Talarico’s Senate bid in Texas hinges on a strong Black voter turnout, which they view as the only realistic route to overturn the state’s Republican tilt. Ashley Etienne, former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris, told Meet the Press that Talarico’s pledged $25 million voter-mobilization program has yet to materialize, while billionaire Elon Musk is committing almost $200 million to Republican candidates in the state.

This warning echoes former primary opponent Jasmine Crockett’s remarks on a recent podcast that the Black community shows little excitement for Talarico, even though she endorsed him after her defeat. Crockett had previously outperformed Talarico in counties with large Black populations and in heavily Black precincts of Harris County. Talarico announced a July get-out-the-vote push aimed at Black voters, but his campaign faced scrutiny after a Houston town-hall where Black attendees posed tough questions. In the November general election, he will contend with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, with recent polls placing the contest within the margin of error and Decision Desk HQ rating it a toss-up.