Texas has high‑stakes primaries at every level of the ballot, with both parties navigating internal divides and shifting political terrain ahead of November.
As Texas Democrats try to win statewide for the first time since 1994, their Senate primary features a clash of styles and strategy. Two-term US Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who has branded herself as a fighter against President Donald Trump and Republicans, aims to activate the state’s Democratic base. State Rep. James Talarico is a Presbyterian seminarian and former teacher who has discussed the need to also draw in independents and Republicans who have soured on their party leaders.
On the Republican side, longtime Sen. John Cornyn is in the fight of his political life against Attorney General Ken Paxton and US Rep. Wesley Hunt. Tens of millions of dollars in advertising has poured in the race, as establishment Republicans worry a win by Paxton could make it harder to hold the seat in November given his history of controversies. With a crowded field and Texas’ majority vote requirement, the race is likely to go to a runoff on May 26.
