Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, officially filed to run for the U.S. Senate on Monday, shaking up the Democratic primary just before the state’s filing deadline. Crockett, a two-term congresswoman from Dallas, now joins the race to challenge GOP Sen. John Cornyn, who faces multiple primary opponents. Her decision comes amid a GOP-led redistricting that reshaped her House district.
Democrats have not won a statewide race in Texas in more than 30 years, but the 2026 Senate contest is seen as a potential pickup opportunity, with Cornyn contending with state Attorney General Ken Paxton and GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt. If no candidate exceeds 50% in the March 3 primaries, a May 26 runoff would determine the nominee. Crockett, known for her outspoken criticism of Republicans and President Donald Trump, enters the race with strong name recognition.
Republicans have already begun highlighting her past remarks, including comments on immigration and critiques of GOP figures, framing her as a far-left candidate. Cornyn and Paxton have publicly mocked and criticized her, calling her radical and predicting her defeat in the general election.
Crockett’s entry prompted former Rep. Colin Allred to drop out of the Senate race and run for a safe House seat instead, leaving Crockett facing state Rep. James Talarico as her primary opponent. Talarico, who gained national attention for fleeing the state earlier this year to protest GOP redistricting, welcomed Crockett to the race, emphasizing a grassroots movement and unity over division.
Both Crockett and Talarico are strong fundraisers. Talarico reported $6.3 million raised in the most recent quarter, while Crockett’s House campaign had $4.6 million available to transfer to her Senate run. Crockett, an attorney and former state legislator, first won her congressional seat in 2022, succeeding longtime Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson after a competitive primary aided by super PAC support. The primary is expected to be one of the most expensive in Texas history.