James Talarico is the better Democratic Senate candidate for Texas despite Jasmine Crockett's strengths
Source: Jill Filipovic. "Jasmine Crockett or James Talarico: Texas Democratic Senate primary is not an easy choice." March 3, 2026. slate.com
The Gist
The author argues that while both candidates are strong, Talarico is better because Crockett acts too much like Trump and is hostile to journalists, while Talarico appeals more to the independent voters Democrats need to win in Texas. She wants Democrats to take the high road rather than copy Trump's tactics.
Conclusion
James Talarico is the better Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate race than Jasmine Crockett
Premises
- Crockett adopts Trump-like behaviors that normalize his worst political practices and degrade American political discourse
- Crockett has shown troubling hostility toward press freedom by removing critical journalists from events and attempting to shut down unfavorable coverage
- Talarico performs significantly better with independent voters, who are crucial for winning in Republican-leaning Texas
- Talarico represents a return to more thoughtful, respectful politics that America needs after years of degraded discourse
- To win statewide in Texas, Democrats need to appeal beyond their base to moderates, conservatives, and independents
Assumptions
- Political norms and civility matter for the health of American democracy
- Press freedom is essential and politicians should not retaliate against critical coverage
- Independent voters are decisive in Texas statewide elections
- Trump's political style is harmful and should not be emulated by Democrats
- Electability concerns can be separated from racial and gender bias