In the early hours of March 4, state Rep. James Talarico emerged as the winner of the Texas Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate against the Democratic favorite, Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

In the midterm elections in November, Talarico will face either U.S. Sen. John Cornyn or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, depending on who wins the Republican runoff on May 26.

As a conservative in Texas, I'm a little nervous about Talarico's win. But I'm also hopeful. It gives Republicans a chance to really focus on persuasive ideas and solid policy and win.

James Talarico is a wolf in sheep's clothing

Talarico's win is eyebrow-raising for a couple of reasons. If Crockett had won, Cornyn or Paxton would be facing her in the November election. She is overtly progressive and raucous, and has taken to saying controversial things. Texans would have dismissed her, and the Republican nominee would have won handily. Easy-peasy.

Talarico is a different politician who is more moderate in a state that might be open to that. He's a former teacher and seminarian whose views sound reasonable, especially for a Democrat. The Democratic Party has been swinging too far left lately. Talarico embodies the opposite approach. The Democratic Senate nominee will be harder to beat.

But his views are still left of center and far from conservative. Cornyn or Paxton will need to hone in on........

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