Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett said she will not campaign with Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico. Instead, she plans to focus on down-ballot candidates across Texas. CNN pressed Crockett on whether she could support both Talarico and other Democrats. Crockett said the choice was probably either-or for her.
The exchange aired on CNN after the host asked whether Crockett would use her voter turnout appeal for Talarico. Crockett answered that she would be “campaigning down ballot.”
She argued that Texas Democrats need more than one major race driving voters to the polls. Crockett pointed to Beto as an example of concentrating money and attention around one candidate.
“Raising all the money, doing all the things, running around the entire state, but it’s not enough,” she said.
Crockett said other candidates can become overshadowed when attention centers on one major race. She wants to raise their profiles and give voters additional reasons to participate.
CNN then asked whether supporting down-ballot candidates prevented her from also campaigning with Talarico.
“I think for me it probably is,” Crockett said.
She cited her other political commitments and the size of Texas when explaining that decision. Crockett said she was already traveling extensively and investing in several candidates.
Those candidates received less attention while Crockett was running her own Senate campaign. She said they could still make a difference regardless of the top-ticket result.
“We’ve got to have wins,” Crockett said.
Jasmine Crockett Faces Backlash Over James Talarico Campaign Decision
Crockett’s answer quickly opened a broader argument over party unity and whether supporting down-ballot Democrats requires keeping distance from Talarico.
“She can’t even say his name lol she’s so petty,” one user wrote. Another said, “Crockett sounds like she’s holding a grudge against Talarico..not good politics at all.”
Others focused on what they expected after a primary. “If the ‘shoe was on the other foot’, I’d think her primary opponent would answer this differently,” one response stated. “we need to all be sticking together on this election, y’all. come on.”
Another challenged Crockett’s either-or argument directly: “what is she doing to help down ballot candidates? she can do both by helping Talarico and still help other candidates.”
Some defended her broader strategy. One user wrote, “Part of the issue with dems has been a laser focus on a golden candidate without considering the incremental wins needed to change a state. I think Crockett’s doing a good thing.”
Another argued, “Increasing downballot turnout is legitimately a good strategy for helping Talarico win.”
Crockett has not indicated that she plans to change her approach as the Texas campaign moves forward.
