Texas’ Democratic Senate primary, already running hot, boiled over yesterday when former congressman and 2024 Senate nominee Colin Allred broke his neutrality and threw his support behind Rep. Jasmine Crockett. The move came after a social media post alleged that rival James Talarico had privately described Allred as “a mediocre Black man.”
In a roughly three-minute video, Allred urged Democrats to line up behind Crockett and did not mince words about Talarico, saying, per The Texas Tribune, “This man should not be our nominee for United States Senate.”
The allegation that lit the fuse
The uproar traces back to a TikTok posted by a Dallas content creator who says she met Talarico in mid-January. In her account, the two spoke privately and she says Talarico told her he had “signed up to run against a mediocre Black man, not a formidable, intelligent Black woman.” As reported by The Texas Tribune, the clip went viral and set off the chain reaction that led to Allred’s public intervention.
Allred steps off the sidelines
Allred, who ended his own Senate bid in December when Crockett entered the race, said the alleged remark “crossed a line.” He argued that praising Black women while tearing down Black men is harmful to the broader Black community and not something he was willing to let slide in a race of this profile.
The Houston Chronicle reports that Allred’s campaign reached out to verify the TikTok creator’s account of the conversation before he went public. Crockett, for her part, released a statement thanking Allred for speaking up and aligning himself with her campaign.
What it means heading into March 3
Polling from mid-January showed Crockett and Talarico essentially tied, leaving the Democratic primary wide open heading into March, according to The Texas Tribune. That dead heat gives extra weight to any late-breaking controversy, especially one that involves race, party unity and a high-profile endorsement.
Early voting in the primary begins Feb. 17, which gives the campaigns roughly two weeks to spin, respond or try to change the subject before ballots start being cast, per NBC DFW. With surveys already showing strong Black support for Crockett in some samples, Allred’s decision to speak up could matter in precincts where both he and Crockett are well known.
Campaign fault lines and what comes next
Talarico’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegation or Allred’s broadside. The dustup adds a fresh flashpoint to what was already a tense and closely watched primary season, The Dallas Morning News notes.
Voters will offer the first real verdict on the controversy when early voting opens later this month, followed by Election Day on March 3. Whether Allred’s move turns into a decisive boost for Crockett or just another viral moment in a crowded campaign will be decided at the ballot box.
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