What are the theories as to why Talarico beat Crockett?

[LAS14]

Has anyone ventured an opinion?

[DavidDvorkin]

1. More Democrats liked him.

[LAS14]

2. Why? nt

[Polybius]

3. Texas Democrats seem to be moderate

They also believe he has a better chance at winning the general election.

[iemanja]

27. According to the Bulwark, Talarico is to the left of Crocket on some issues.

People are assuming she is because of her public demeanor rather than policies. She, for example, takes money from AIPAC.

[karynnj]

12. It may come down to style

Talarico seems very good at speaking from a shared common ground with any group he is with. This seems to allow him to strongly speak against actions . Others elsewhere have compared him to Senator Warnock, who is easily one of the most impressive eloquent Senators.

In a time where Trump generates so much anger and hatred, his cool, calm goodness is a welcome change.

But Texas Democrats likely had a very hard choice of two exceptional candidates.

[yellowdogintexas]

65. It was not difficult for me as I have been on Team Talarico since the first time I saw him in person

It was a Hood County Democratic gathering and he was the speaker. When he started in on the Rs in the Texas Lege, we knew he meant business but he never seemed to be on the attack - it was just facts. That day was the first time I heard "School Voucher Scam" from a politician (the crowd loved that one). His whole demeanor reflected self confidence, dedication to fighting the MAGA domination of the Texas Lege, without seeming egotistical at all. We also heard a bit about the dangers of Christian Nationalism and the risks it presents to the First Amendment, as well as the self proclaimed "Christianity" falsehood of those whose every action is antithetical to the teachings of Christ. He impressed me as a true "Voice of Reason".

I had already seen a video of him in a sermon situation speaking at length about Christian Nationalism. He did a deep dive, yet explained it clearly and without condescention. The video was shown in my Sunday School class, many of whom knew nothing of him and very little about Christian Nationalism; everyone was impressed by him.

Later on I saw YouTUbe videos of him in the Legislature and everybody needs to watch them! He destroyed his debate opponents without even raising his voice with intelligent points and the knowledge to back them up.

By the time he announced I was convinced that Texas needs him to represent us and the US Senate needs him (I have fantasies of watching him teaming up with Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock in the Senate!) I admit to wishing he had decided to run for the House but to do that he would have had to primary an excellent Democratic incumbent (Rep Greg Cesar) who is another Texas up and comer.

When Rep Crockett filed to run it bothered me a lot because two of the brightest lights in Texas Democratic politics were pitted against one another. My expectation was that she would run again in the House, pull off a close win in the redrawn district and serve there until Cruz is on the ballot and blow him to smithereens. I hope she challenges him regardless.

It's been a rough 90 days since the filing deadline and the range war is going to take a while to die down. I do believe the non MAGA Republicans will prefer him to Cornyn or Paxton. Texas also has 40 to 45%- registered but non voting Democrats or Democratic leaning voters (AKA NVDs - Non Voting Democrats) and he drew a lot of them out in this primary; I expect him to get their votes in November as well.

I love the fact that he can work the state for 12 weeks while Paxton and Cornyn duke it out in the runoff, spending money which could be going to other races and states. That runoff is going to be a doozy; I can't wait to watch those two try to destroy each other. I am already well stocked with popcorn.

[Metaphorical]

103. What's his appeal among Independents?

I've long suspected that there's been a growing Independent movement that's not necessarily shifting to the Dems in Texas, but that are a lot of former Rs that have felt abandoned by their party. It's why I'm fine with a moderate Democrat there; if he can appeal to the Independents, then he has a much greater chance in the General.

[yellowdogintexas]

123. In Texas, we don't register by party so voters can vote in either primary

There is only one rule: If you vote in say the Republican Party you are considered "allied " with the Republican party until the next primary in 2 years, which is only really important if there is a runoff because we can only vote in the runoff for the party we voted for in the original vote.

However, if the voter did not vote in the primary, it is OK to vote in either primary.

There is no Independent primary. Primary flippers drive Precinct Chairs nuts because the #1 way to find Democrats is the party they choose in the primary!! The ones which either trick us by going to the other party (for really stupid reasons) or skip the primary entirely just make me want to throw things

Having said all that we can't tell from the vote how independents went. I get the impression from comments on his FB, Insta, Threads etc accounts that Independents like him. I think he drew a lot of votes from them. He certainly impressed out of state folks, many of whom sent him money.

The best thing about the primary was the turnout in the Mexican community. The RIo Grande Valley has been trending red (at least at the top of the ticket) for the past couple of cycles. Well this year he blew it out of the water there and in the heavily Hispanic areas in the Big 6 metropolitan areas. He put in a lot of work in the valley and it showed in the turnout and the results.

[womanofthehills]

88. More progressive and a good speaker

Many compare the way he speaks to Obama. Although she didn’t take APAIC money directly, her paid trip to Israel in 23 was used against her. There was a �coronated attack� on social media over this. Texas supposedly really got behind Talaraco�s faith based messaging They like preachers.

[SSJVegeta]

52. I dont know this is entirely true. Texas has an open primary, and his support was boosted by a lot of self described

Non-democrats.

I think his appeal to those groups im addition to his Bernie-esque credentials, won him the election.

[Phoenix61]

4. Because he has a much better shot of getting elected

in a general election. I love Crockett but there was no way she was going to carry Texas. I’m sad she even ran.

[gay texan]

8. This is what people are not realizing

Texas is still a fucked up backwards state . This state hasn't grown up yet.

Talarico better run a spotless full force campaign. Who ever managed Beto is years past couldn't have managed a fucking Dairy Queen on night shift. Beto had ALL of this momentum and his campaign fucking blew it

[Probatim]

17. Misogyny and racism were probably big factors.

Crockett was hindered from Paxton's bullshit too.

[harumph]

42. Beto famously quipped "Yes, we are coming for your guns" or something to that effect.

This didn't go over well for the majority of Texans - where plenty of liberals also own guns. THAT ONE COMMENT
sunk his campaign. I voted for him but even I was dumbstruck by what a stupid tone deaf comment that was (for this state).

[hamsterjill]

55. THIS!!!!!!

Beto was trying to push too hard and too fast for the majority of Texans. I love him!!! But I am a realist and when I heard this from him, I knew he was toast.

People who do not live in Texas do not understand Texas politics. I'm sure that's true for every region to some degree, but it is absolutely true in Texas.

[DemocracyForever]

75. His victory speech indicated that he plans to go all out

It's gotten him through the primary and I see him pouring it on for the general election. Which ever GOPer wins that run-off will have the baggage of Trump. Cornyn voted for all of Trump's horrible policies and that'll hurt him should he survive Paxton. Paxton is another Trump and that'll hurt him.

[calguy]

11. Just like Katy Porter in California, her ambitions got way ahead of her experience

Two promising political careers short circuited by running for an office they couldn’t possibly win.

[DemocracyForever]

76. I think they'll both be back.

I certainly hope so as they both have much to offer our country.

[calguy]

96. I hope you're right. I like both of them.

[dpibel]

106. As opposed to Talarico?

An extra 3 years in the Texas Lege, but no experience in DC makes Talarico's experience match his ambition? (Talarico state rep 2018 to present; Crockett state rep 2021-2023, US rep 2023-present.)

Not to mention that Crockett is an attorney; Talarico's experience is as a teacher and the head of a nonprofit.

So I'm not getting how it was that Crockett obviously couldn't win, but Talarico can. Or that her ambitions were overshot but his weren't.

Unless there are additional factors that you're...ahem...not mentioning.

[calguy]

119. I knew my comment would trigger some DUers, but if you've read my previous comments...

I already said it. It’s not pretty, and it’s not fair, but it’s reality. She could not win because she’s a woman, and she’s black. That certainly wouldn’t stop me or anyone here from voting for her, as I think she’s been an outstanding member of Congress.
But we’re talking about Texas here, and the reality is a black woman will simply not win a statewide race filled with bigot and racist Republican voters. Talarico faces a steep uphill challenge no matter who wins the Republican runoff, but his chances of turning the Texas Senate seat blue are much better than Crockett’s ever would have been.
I understand why you may not agree with my sentiments, but that’s the reality as I see it.

[dpibel]

121. Very odd

I entirely agree with what you've just said. I think those two factors are why we have round two of the presidential madman.

But I'm puzzled.

What was this "ambitions got way ahead of her experience"?

Why put that out there, especially when Talarico's experience is not meaningfully greater?

It reads like finger-wagging at uppity women.

[calguy]

122. You can read into it any way you want

I’m not going to entertain you anymore.

[LAS14]

24. Actually I'm glad she ran. It shined a spotlight on them both, and they both shine well.

Good for the general election.

[YodaMom2]

66. Also good at raising Crockett's national profile even more.

I’ve seen her suggested as next DNC chair. She’d also be an interesting MS NOW contributor.

[everyonematters]

5. Independents or swing voters voted in the Democratic primary, and they voted for Talarico.

[Amishman]

94. Indies are increasingly the deciding factor

Independents are steadily rising as a share of the electorate, and are very fickle.

[everyonematters]

97. That's why we need to be constantly aware of them and what they are thinking.

[LeftInTX]

108. They seem very fickle to me. I volunteer and I will catch a few and sometimes a month after the primary

they've changed their minds already! Or it's "I don't know".....Very frustrating. They seem to be at the whim of a weather vane!

[Fiendish Thingy]

6. More votes?

Colbert didn’t hurt either, and Crockett’s late entry with no campaign manager (at least initially) and minimal ad buys were probably contributing factors.

[LAS14]

13. Did Crockett start after Talarico? I thought she was the first? nt

[Fiendish Thingy]

15. Nope she declared on December 8, the filing deadline

Talarico declared back in September.

[pinkstarburst]

25. Crockett declared 3 months after Talarico

Talarico declared on September 9th.

Crockett entered the race on December 8th, three full months later, and on the very last day of the filing deadline.

This Texan was already super excited about Talarico's campaign during those 3 months, liked what I was hearing from him, and already knew I was voting for him. When Crockett announced, I was dismayed. I like Jasmine Crockett! But my vote already belonged to Talarico, and with her entering the race at the last second, this meant only one of them would win, and one of them would lose their seat. I wish Jasmine would have picked a different seat to run for, but nor can I blame her for being ambitious. Politicians run for what they want to run for, understanding that losing some races is just part of the gig.

But to answer your question, yes, Talarico was in the race for 3 months and had a campaign lots of Texans were genuinely excited about at the point where Crockett declared on the date of the filing deadline.

[hamsterjill]

61. It felt like she was desperately looking for a place to run.

I'm sure that's true to some degree because of the gerrymandering issues, but the desperation showed. People did not like that.

I totally agree with your assessment. Talarico was already drawing crowds and backing. When she entered the race, I think most people saw it as a desperate attempt by her to keep a job AND felt it was going to divide the votes when we all should have been concentrating on unifying the votes.

She's brilliant but this was not the place and time for her. I feel she will have more opportunities. I hope she does.

[karynnj]

79. What I don't understand is her district is very Democratic leaning

Although her house became out of district, Congresspeople don't have to live in the district. The winner of the primary is her pastor, who she endorsed. By

[hamsterjill]

83. The whole state of Texas voted for the Talarico/Crockett race.

Talarico was the most liked candidate in the State of Texas. He was the choice.

I'm not sure what you're asking in your post. Sorry, I seem to just be dense today or something. She may have won her District. I didn't bother to look because I didn't see any reason to.

Was there an issue with voting? Absolutely and that needs to be addressed. But my understanding is that she would not have won even if the voting issue had not occurred. Talarico's lead was such that it didn't matter any longer.

Does that make sense? Or am I totally missing your point?

[karynnj]

91. I should have been clearer

I did watch the returns and saw early on Talarico was doing exceptionally well.

On this thread, there were mentions that Crockett jumped in late, some mentioning redistricting. Yet, she could have run in her district.

[hamsterjill]

92. Thank you for the clarification.

I understand your point now. Appreciate that.

[TBF]

74. He announced in Sept; Crockett didn't enter until Dec -

any other questions that could be easily answered by Google?

[LeftInTX]

107. No. He's been running since last summer.

I wanted him to run for governor. But lots of people were pushing for senate. We all knew he was running for one or the other. He already had alot of buzz in Texas and was speaking at rallies all over the state. I went to one last June. He, Beto, Joaquin Castro, Joe Jaworski, and our former mayor were headliners.

So, Talarico had a PAC back then, but not for a specific office, but everyone was talking about senate. On Sep 9th, he announced that he was officially running for US Senate.

The filing period was Nov 11- Dec 8.

Jasmine announced near the filing deadline.

I was a Jasmine supporter as soon as she filed. I felt she would be a better fit, but not enough people agreed.

I still think Talarico would be a better fit for governor. It's due to his legislative experience. Oh well.

I believe because Talarico had filed earlier is one reason why he likely won the primary.
He had pretty good momentum early on.

[Raven123]

7. He got more votes

Seriously, he started campaigning early, got up close with voters and they liked what they saw. Getting in the race at the last minute meant Crockett may not have had the time to connect with voters outside of her Congressional district.

[stopdiggin]

9. Has anyone ventured an opinion .. ? Ummm? Before, during and after .. ?

In very broad strokes ... Mouthy black woman .... - - (don't kill the messenger!) - -
Very popular in certain places and demographics ... Failed to win against a reasonable popular, and marginally more moderate, opponent - in statewide contest in a fundamentally conservative red state.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

[Sympthsical]

29. People need to understand social media doesn't mean voters

Crockett is extremely entertaining on social media - and she's popular there. As a brand.

But that doesn't translate to what voters necessarily want. It's like when the Lincoln Project did all those YouTube ads. The internet loved them. And then the Democratic Party's own pollsters looked into it and found that actual voters did not care at all. Didn't budge them a single inch. But social media insisted they were the most brilliant and influential works of cinematic art ever created in the political realm.

Well.

People mistake drama for "fighting". "We need fighters!" No, they want clips that you can spread around the Internet, but will only ever land and be highly popular in incredibly insulated bubble spaces. Crockett played into that. Changed her style, her speech, her cadence, and her rhetoric to become a Personality. The campaign announcement ad was really . . . something.

On the other end, Talerico has been in Texas working it for eight years. He's traveled around the state. He spoke with the voters. He made inroads with all kinds of groups like moderate voters, the religious, and Latinos. In Texas, that is a big deal.

At the end of the day, the Brand proved paper thin compared to the Substance. The late entry just cemented the deal, I think, that this was about her. And it came down to a choice - do you want someone who wants to serve or someone who wants to be serviced?

Voters made their choice.

[stopdiggin]

36. wouldn't disagree with most of that. and - you know your subject better than I do. - - -(nt)-

[JCMach1]

14. JT ran a hell of a campaign and is a unique political talent

JC is also a hell of a politician who unfortunately entered a race late when the eventual winner already had traction and $.

Ideologically, there was really not much difference. So, the race came down to stylistic points which at this moment favored JT.

He is the perfect antidote to obnoxious, in your face trolling.

I really look forward to JC taking out Ted Cuz in '28.

[TexasBushwhacker]

40. FWIW, JC may not take on Cruz

Cruz endorsed Dan Crenshaw's primary opponent Toth, and Toth won. I think Cruz kicked a hornets' nest. I hope Crenshaw primaries Cruz in '28. Dan is conservative, but doesn't always align with MAGA.

[EdmondDantes_]

16. My thought is that Texas is still conservative by in large

Abbott is still above water in popularity. Crockett is seen as more of a firebrand which probably appeals more to the left wing base of the party but probably doesn't play well with more moderate people. Calling a popular governor (no matter how bad I think he is) governor hot wheels when he's in a wheelchair isn't a smart move.

Then add in her being a black woman and that's a rough race to win for a second term congresswoman.

I don't know about her campaign since I am nowhere near Texas, but from what I've heard in the media, their focus was on her words, which I would have tried to shift the focus to her attempts to push good legislation like the Breonna Taylor bill on no-knock warrants and her leadership among the freshmen Democrats in her first term. And maybe she did that and it didn't break through in the national media, but she suffered some from a lack of successfully passed bills since we've been in the minority during her time in office. Can't fault her for that since she won her race, but it's harder to stand out without that in a short time period.

[csusan]

18. Let me guess

Black and a woman. Need I say more?

[Irish_Dem]

30. Yep. Just one of these variables is enough to sink someone in the US.

[ms liberty]

44. Also, Talarico us VERY good at the southern religion thing

He is about the best I've seen at presenting a democratic religious view. It is a comforting and comfortable place for more conservative people in the south to land.

[Irish_Dem]

45. Yes if he can do the Bible-babble it is a big plus for him.

[Rstrstx]

19. Latinos broke heavily for him

There was one poll about a week or two ago that had Crockett and Talarico pretty much tied with Latino voters. He won South Texas counties by 25-30 points.

Even better, the number of Democratic primary voters spanked the number of Republican primary voters in South Texas.

[mr715]

20. To me, he was more comfortable in diverse media

He is extremely passionate and soft spoken, and the combination is incredibly likable.

He did a lot of social media leg work that Jasmine Crockett did not do, and structurally/demographically he was a better fit for the broader electorate in the state.

He might be driving a coalition that hasn't existed for a while in Texas politics.

I'm not an expert, but I think he makes the race 50/50, when is should be 60/40 in the same cycle.

[dsp3000]

21. do we have to say the quiet part out loud?

white guy is going to do better than a black woman in a general election, IN TEXAS.

stop thinking this country isn't a fucking racist misogynistic shithole.

[ColoringFool]

23. Barbara Jordan.

[pinkstarburst]

26. People keep mentioning Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan AND Jasmine Crockett were both elected to the US House in safe blue districts.

That's the difference. Jasmine had never had to run a statewide race where she had to get votes (I'm sorry to say, Texas) from across a racist, redneck state. She was only ever elected in her safe, blue district. And the GOP gerrymandered her out of that district.

James Talarico won his seat in 2018 by FLIPPING a red district. I think that is one reason (in addition to many others) why voters felt strongly about his chances in November.

[hamsterjill]

64. As an old fart who was a big fan of Barbara Jordan.

You're not going to like what I'm going to say. But I am a lifelong Texas, and this IS the way it IS like it or not:

Jasmine Crockett is amazing and she has a future. But she is NOT yet in the same league as Barbara Jordan.

Jordan knew how to play the game. She was accurate, she was polished and she was quietly tenacious. She didn't get all excited and yell and scream for nothing. She had a poised delivery and even when she was animated, she was clear and respectful.

I spoke to several Republicans before the election who aren't happy with the Paxton thing. They feel like Cornyn won't win the Republican nomination and they know that Paxton is a crook.

They all said they'd consider Talarico because they liked him. They felt he was sincere and clear, and they liked that he was admitting to being a religious person with a big tent for acceptance.

They all said they thought of Jasmine Crockett as basically a "clown car". One specifically used that term, but several others described her as too overbearing, outrageous, etc. Almost every single one of them mentioned the "Christmas ornament" earrings she wore to the debate. One made a snide remark about her pronunciation of the word "ask" (and most here know what I'm talking about and we've all seen the memes on Facebook). They don't like the way she acts in Congress. They feel that she goes overboard to get attention and she tries to be too flashy.

I'm relaying here what I was told - so don't come at me as if *I* am the one saying these things. I haven't said this is right and just.

Crockett would do well to take a minute to reflect on some of this. Is it right that she should have to change her image? I don't know the answer to that. But if she wants to win in Texas, it may be something to consider to a degree. Because Texas still has some ideals that aren't necessarily going to change overnight and perhaps never.

[LeftInTX]

109. Jordan never ran a state wide campaign.

[Jack Valentino]

22. Texas demographics: Hispanics outnumber African-Americans in Texas

by more than three to one----


Google:
As of the 2022-2023 U.S. Census estimates, Texas is a majority-minority state where Hispanics are the largest demographic group, slightly outnumbering non-Hispanic whites. The approximate population breakdown is 40.2% Hispanic, 39.8% non-Hispanic white, and 12–13% Black or African American

[bearsfootball516]

28. He absolutely crushed it with Hispanics, which are a large portion of Texas Democrats.

Hispanics also tend to be more religious, and Talarico openly leaned into his Christianity during the primary, which I imagine boosted his image with them.

[BeyondGeography]

31. Because Crockett didn't have a prayer in November

And Talarico has at least a puncher’s chance.

Nothing personal. Simple as that.

[GiqueCee]

32. Easy...

... he is a White man. Regardless of Crockett's intelligence and experience � of which she has an abundance � a Black woman in Texas has two strikes against her, and an uphill battle to success on any level. It is to her everlasting credit that she's made it this far, and I don't think she's one to give up. Texas, and the rest of the country, is lucky to have her in the House. We need her fearlessness, and her wit.

[pinkstarburst]

33. Ran a better campaign, messaging that connects with the moment

Ran a better campaign. Talarico started campaigning 3 months before Crockett, who entered the race on the last day of the filing deadline, and was rushed. He did a good job of getting around and visiting the entire state, not just the urban areas, and reaching out to voters in rural areas.

Messaging that connects with the moment. Talarico's messaging of coming together, of loving thy neighbor, of confronting radical Christianity and billionaires, is what we need right now. He's genuine. He's well spoken. He's a brilliant young mind in the party.

More experienced. Talarico has held his seat in the Texas house since 2018 (for 8 years.) Crockett has held her seat in the US house for 3 years (since 2023.)

Better chance of winning in November. Crockett has only ever been elected in a safe blue district. Talarico flipped a red district in order to win his seat. To me, the argument that Crockett couldn't remain in her House seat because she was gerrymandered out wasn't a strong argument to vote for her for senate. If she couldn't win there... would she ever win a statewide race where she would need to get votes from moderates? Talarico was the only one who had a proven record of having won when he had to flip a red district in order to do so.

[MichMan]

41. Crockett was in the Texas legislature prior to the US House

He doesn't have any more experience than she does

[pinkstarburst]

43. And he's STILL more experienced than her

By several years. We keep seeing the opposite posted here by non-Texans who may not be aware that he has served since 2018.

[MichMan]

60. You are correct; 8 years of experience in a state house is considerably more than 2 in a state house and 3 in US House

8 is clearly more than 5. I don't know what I was thinking as they aren't even close experience wise.

[LeftInTX]

113. Someone is using fuzzy math

He has two years and two months more experience than Jasmine. He filled an unexpired term after he was elected in Nov 2018. Jasmine was elected in Nov 2020

Talarico has served all of his terms: 4 terms, plus two months in the Texas House
Jasmine has served: 1 term in the Texas House, 2 terms in US Congress.

[MichMan]

114. Crockett hasn't served two full terms yet

She still has almost a full year left.

Regardless, I don't think serving a couple more years in the Texas state house makes Talerico much more experienced than Crockett who served in both the Texas state House and the US House.

[LeftInTX]

116. So does Talarico! He isn't finished with his 4th term!

[MichMan]

117. 7 years compared to 5 in experience is negligible IMO

So what.

If having a couple more years experience is that significant to voters, how would either expect to beat Cornyn who has more than 20 years?

[LeftInTX]

111. Talerico won a special/general election in Nov 2018. Jasmine won her state house election in Nov 2020

His length of service was 2 years and 2 month longer than Jasmine's.

That's it. Quit saying that she has 1/2 the experience of him. He had one term up on her and that's it. He got in a few months earlier because the seat was vacant. In 2022, she ran for Eddie Bernice Johnson's former seat in congress.

Experience:
Talarico: 4 terms and 2 months in Texas House
Jasmine: 1 term in Texas House, 2 terms in US Congress.

Crockett was endorsed by the San Antonio Express-News due to her experience.


https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/editorial/article/jasmine-crockett-senate-21311156.php

Crockett's experience in Congress is a key difference. A former civil rights attorney with two terms in the House of Representatives, Crockett speaks with fluency on a wide range of policies and federal issues. She has proven herself in Washington.

[Torchlight]

34. What do you make of it?

The goalposts appear diaphanous this time around.

[DoBW]

35. this didn't help

but wer'e on to them
still testing voter suppression tactics


https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/dallas-county-frustration-confusion-gop-155244092.html

[rampartd]

37. talarico is a WHITE MALE

worth 6 or six points in a dem primary and a huge advantage in the general election.

note - this is not the way i would want things,, but a texas senator talarico seems almost possible. does anyone really think that crockett had much chance in the general? i love her, she is a great congresscritter, but texas is still a star in the confederate flag.

think i'm wrong? how did harris lose to the lunatic raving about "eating the cats and dogs" or windmills and sharks?

is this election going to be about the apocalypse? depends on how many bible prophecies the god emperor can claim to fulfill between now and the moment he declares the election "unnecessary."

[Scrivener7]

102. And how did Hillary? One of the best brains of our generation vs. a blob of pond scum. And the

pond scum wins.

I agree with you.

[leftstreet]

38. He got a large part of the base

or what's traditionally been considered the base

progressives
latinos
working and middle class

Any politician who could add the black vote to that would be totally formidable

[Rebl2]

39. They like

his demeanor and delivery of message better? I really have no clue why him over her. I like her a whole lot better because she has proven herself.

[Scrivener7]

54. Oh, c'mon. We all know why him over her. You are right. They DO like his demeanor and delivery better.

That's because he's a religious white man.

I think he'll be fine. I hate that there is so much religion in politics. But if it turns Texas blue, I'll support it as a necessary evil.

[Rebl2]

98. Well

there are many democrats that are religious. I would not vote for a person because they are or aren’t religious. I don’t like religion integrated into politics, but here we are. My congressman was a minister for many years, but that’s not why I voted for him.

[Scrivener7]

99. Religious is different from leading with your religion. His image is all about his religion.

It seems to work in Texas, but in a perfect world that should not be in politics. But again, it seems to be necessary in Texas these days. Which is, actually, sad. But he does seem to be a decent guy and the candidate we need in this moment.

[womanofthehills]

90. Her trip to Israel in 23 lost her young progressives

It was used against her all over social media.

[obamanut2012]

46. Black woman

[FascismIsDeath]

47. He appeals to a wide variety of people throughout all spectrums of the base with his style, really.

On the issues, neither candidate is very far apart.

[JCMach1]

77. Exactly, so people only had a stylistic choice

It may be that Trump fatigue may end the politics of in your face confrontational politics.

So literally getting in the race late and sticking to the style that boosted her profile in the first place may have hurt Congresswoman Crockett.

[FascismIsDeath]

82. Yea thats part of it. But Talarico has a certain type of charisma no matter who he was running against.

He reminds me a little of Obama in some ways, just that X factor.

[GusBob]

48. Answers question with questions

How many first time voters (new voters) did each candidate get?
How many that did not vote in last election ?

? what did the exit polls show

[LexVegas]

49. He is a more appealing candidate to the voters in Texas? nt

[awesomerwb1]

50. It's Texas after all

As brilliant as she is, she's still a black woman in Texas. She will no doubt have a major role to play in the future for the Dem party.

Talarico: white male. Very smart, very eloquent, brilliant speaker with a uniting message of love except for the billionaire class taking over the country.

Another major bonus for Talarico, is that he relates to the Latino community VERY well having lived in San Antonio and El Paso(?).

Another bonus: he speaks Spanish.

[biocube]

51. If defeating fascism is the goal,

and you think Hillary and Kamala lost because of "misogyny", doesn't it follow that we need white male candidates? This is whay frustrates me about the identity politics crowd....nothing has to make any sense. The only rule is no one gets their feelings hurt.

Now I don't think that's why Crockett lost. If Mexico can elect a woman president it's only a matter of time before we have the right woman candidate. But too many people in Democratic and liberal circles are blind to the flaws of non-white-male candidates. Crockett just doesn't have the charisma that Talarico does.

[Quiet Em]

70. You are pushing white male identity politics

while complaining about identity politics. Nothing has to make any sense.

[Scrivener7]

53. It's Texas. He's an openly religious white man. I don't like it, but if it gets him elected, I'll take it for now.

[hamsterjill]

58. Exactly.

Step by step, not mile by mile. Reality is a necessity.

[Scrivener7]

59. No public bus will drop you at your door. You hop on the one that gets you closest.

That's my approach to politics.

[hamsterjill]

62. That's a good way of looking at it.

[Scrivener7]

63. I should have said it's not original. I read it somewhere. But it's so true. And so much what some

people don't understand about civics. Leaders have to serve us all and we all have different needs. You're always going to have some issue with a candidate. We have to just pick the one that comes closest.

[Tim S]

56. PEOPLE ARE SICK OF DRAMA & JUST WANT SOMEONE WHO CAN UNIFY, NOT POLARIZE

[Emile]

57. Who had more campaign money?

[LetMyPeopleVote]

67. Lack of a groundgame

Talerico had a great ground game and Crockett had no ground game

Link to tweet

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/05/jasmine-crockett-loss-critics-00813180

Following Crockett’s single-digit loss, they recounted a laundry list of why she fell to state Rep. James Talarico: Her campaign was unfocused; she had an insufficient campaign infrastructure to challenge Talarico, even though she earned the backing of former Vice President Kamala Harris. They also said her media strategy relied too heavily on social media rather than television ad buys — typically seen as critical in a sprawling state like Texas and its nearly two dozen media markets.

“People who don’t understand politics will be upset because Jasmine was their hero,” said Texas state Rep. Jolanda Jones, a Democrat. “But for people who understand politics, [Crockett] literally had no ground game.”

[Alansworld]

68. His ground game was better...

And he was in the race longer. I think those were his advantages.

[hamsterjill]

69. Crockett did not appeal to as broad a base as Talarico.

Most people did not see her as electable in the General and there is a real concern by some Republicans about Paxton being elected.

In Texas, we are surrounded by Republicans. So, I had conversations with Republicans about Talarico and Crockett. The ones that I spoke with who are concerned about Paxton said they'd consider Talarico in the General. None of them said they'd even consider Crockett.

I don't think they took the time to see if there was a difference in the platforms of Talarico and Crockett. They are Republicans, after all. They're going to vote mainly for Republicans in the General. They commented about Crockett's looks, etc. They are making their choice by what they see and they didn't like her approach and the way she handles herself.

But to get ANYONE elected, we need those Republicans!!!! If their thinking is flawed, that's not even relevant right now. We need their votes. If they are shallow in their way of thinking about Crockett, what are you going to do? Piss them off further by telling them they are jerks for being that way, and then they will surely vote for Paxton in the General.

Texas is not going to jump from massive red all the way to stunning blue in one swoop. If we can get ONE Senate seat, anyone down here will consider that a victory. So, if we have to assuage the Republican voters who can help us, then so be it. We need numbers!!!

If that takes someone like Talarico, then I'm all for it.

Now to be clear, he was my candidate to begin with. He was in the race first, he was likeable and he was approachable. The man is smart and quick on his feet. He made good sense, and like many Texans (like it or not religion is a factor down here!), he speaks of an inclusive religion; not a divisive one - which is something that MANY OF US want to hear. He will make a good Senator.

The fact is that HE'S THE CANDIDATE now. I feel like there's a big push to discuss the race issue - almost as if anyone who DIDN'T vote for Crockett did so just because she's a Black woman. There's merit to that, I am certain. But this race is over. What needs to change for the next time a Black woman runs? Maybe that's a better discussion than looking back at this race.

But let's not skip over the fact that there's also merit to the fact that Talarico filled a box that many Texas are looking for and he doesn't need to be diminished just because he won. He was the choice. So now, we need to support him and go forward.

[LAS14]

71. How come this principal doesn't seem to apply to magats?

"Most people did not see her as electable in the General"

[hamsterjill]

73. I don't understand what you're asking me.

Are you asking me why MAGA's didn't see Jasmine Crockett as electable? Or whether the Republicans that I mentioned would apply principles to MAGA candidates?

Most of these Republicans would not be voting for MAGA candidates. They are moderates.

[LAS14]

86. I was just thinking about how the GOP is caught in a strangle hold...

...by the base, who doesn't think about the general election.

[hamsterjill]

89. But the moderate Republicans (at least the ones that *I* mentioned) ARE thinking about the General.

The moderates do not want Paxton in the General and they feel that he has a very good chance of being the nominee. If Paxton IS the nominee, then these Republicans would consider Talarico, but said they would not have considered Crockett.

They'd have either stayed home or sucked it up and voted for Paxton.

[TBF]

72. Scared?

you should be.

[Brainstormy]

78. he's a man.

she's not a man.

[Jersey Devil]

80. He was in the race long before Crockett and voters liked him and stuck with him

even after someone else, Crockett, entered the race who was also popular. They thought he was on a trajectory to win and as FDR used to say, you don't change horses in mid-stream.

[Pisces]

81. All out of troll food here

[Scrivener7]

100. How so?

[MineralMan]

84. Simple. More Texas Democrats Voted for Him.

Why try to make it complicated? It's a primary election. It's supposed to let party voters choose their own candidates for the general election.

It's simple. It works. Enough said.

[LAS14]

87. That's a ridiculous thing to post in a conversation board.

[DFW]

85. Talarico judged his electorate more accurately

And so, more of them voted for him.

You can always bring race and gender into it, and don’t forget that “indicative” poll of two weeks ago with that “broad” sample of 369 Texas voters telling us that Crockett was crushing Talarico by an insurmountable 56% to 44% lead. I can well imagine that behind closed doors, Talarico’s people saw it, laughed, and said, “dream on.” It wouldn’t surprise me to hear of a similar reaction among the pros advising Crockett. Anyone with real campaign experience would have told her to enjoy it, quote it, do anything but believe it.

I think that anyone on the ground with local election experience probably foresaw the outcome a month ago, and you know what? I’m betting Crockett was told the same thing by her pollsters, too. That, I think, is why her concession was so polished and gracious. She had weeks to compose it.

[carpetbagger]

93. What hasn't been mentioned here...

1. Texas is somewhat insular, so being a prominent voice in state politics will get you at times more coverage than national politics, and Talarico has been a very prominent voice in the state legislature.

2. Talarico's Latino outreach has been mentioned elsewhere and was likely the one key factor, but specifically his campaigning with Bobby Pulido got him a few percentage points, IMO.

3. Talarico's earlier entrance has been mentioned, but not mentioned is that early deciders were choosing between him and Allred, who underperformed against Ted Cruz.

[xmas74]

95. He's been on the talk show circuit lately

His interview on The View met with threats of an FCC investigation and his Colbert interview wasn't even aired. It had to be shared via its YouTube channel.

Those interviews got interests and showed him to be an enemy of the administration. For some who weren't sure what way to vote it definitely could have stood out.

[Skittles]

101. he was perceived as having a better shot at the repuke establishment in Texas

much harder for the greedy old pig party to demonize a homegrown straight white male Christian

[Conjuay]

104. 1) white

2) male.

Did you really need to ask?

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

105. I'm sure it was Jesus.

It is Texas, after all.

[Blue Full Moon]

110. The republican controlled state shenanigans.

The irregularities scream. But the reason I think they wanted optics that didn’t happen. They wanted a fight of words between them to use for the midterms. They both acted with class. Something that the republicans can’t understand. They would have been throwing temper tantrums.

[enid602]

112. Jasmine

Crocket has been so busy on committees, always on TV and constantly fighting Trump and MAGA. I don’t think she’s had enough time to campaign.

[LeftInTX]

118. Yes, Texas legislature has not been in session since early Sept 2025.

Texas legislature is part time. It supposedly meets for 140 days starting in January of odd years.

[Jbraybarten]

115. He was in the face first, it's Texas and it appears that his approach was appealing to a lot Texans

[krawhitham]

120. The 24 point swing after Colbert interview