Harris backs Talarico in Texas Senate primary after Crockett concedes 

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The Hill's Headlines — March 4, 2026

The Hill's Headlines — March 4, 2026

Former Vice President Harris announced on Wednesday that she would back Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D) in the Senate race for Sen. John Cornyn’s (R-Texas) seat after her preferred pick, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), lost the Democratic primary. 

“I congratulate James Talarico for his win, and the inspiring campaign he continues to build. I appreciate that he is making the case for the kind of civic renewal our country needs,” she said in a statement through her office. “I offer him my full support in the months ahead.” 

She lauded Crockett’s campaign, saying the Texas Democrat “waged this campaign with the trademark fierceness that has defined her career so far,” adding that “she has a bright future.” 

Talarico was projected as the winner of the Texas Senate Democratic primary early Wednesday morning, according to Decision Desk HQ. Crockett said in a statement on Wednesday that she conceded the race and called Talarico to congratulate him on his victory. 

“Texas is primed to turn blue and we must remain united because this is bigger than any one person. This is about the future of all 30 million Texans and getting America back on track,” Crockett wrote. 

“With the primary behind us, Democrats must rally around our nominees and win. I’m committed to doing my part and will continue working to elect democrats up and down the ballot,” she added. 

Harris endorsed Crockett, who co-chaired her 2024 national presidential campaign, in the primary. Public polling had shown mixed results, with Talarico and Crockett outperforming the other in certain polls.  

Harris’ endorsement was a big gamble; the former vice president has largely stayed away from elections after her 2024 loss. However, she did campaign for Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn in the Tennessee House special last year. Behn later lost to Rep. Matt Van Epps (R-Tenn.) in December. 

Republicans in recent weeks had sought to elevate Crockett in the Democratic primary as they saw the congresswoman, who’s generated criticism for some of her controversial swipes at GOP members, as the more vulnerable of the two Democrats. 

Yet, the GOP was ultimately unsuccessful, with Talarico able to win his primary outright without a runoff — while Republcians now brace for a messy 12-week runoff between Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). 

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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