Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico is working overtime to win over black voters, a crucial demographic if he is to score an upset win over Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state President Donald Trump won by 14 points in 2024.
Talarico’s outreach comes on the heels of a bitter primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), who is black, in which she alleged that the contest between her and Talarico was a “racist race.” Crockett has suggested the state representative does not have black voter support locked up, adding she didn’t “think that there is excitement” from black voters in Texas this cycle.
Talarico on Friday scored the endorsement from Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee, underlining his effort to boost his complicated relationship with black voters after besting Crockett in March.
Talarico is locked in a tight race against Paxton and will need total Democratic support, along with some moderate Republican voters, in order to win. Talarico’s success among black voters could make or break the outcome of the race, as they make up nearly 3 million votes in the Lone Star State, according to a 2024 study from Pew Research Center.
Crockett defeated Talarico, 61%-37%, in predominantly black counties, according to a New York Times analysis.
“At a moment when Texas families are being squeezed by rising costs and communities are demanding accountable leadership, James has shown he is ready to take on corruption, fight for working people, and ensure every Texan has a voice in Washington,” Congressional Black Caucus PAC Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) said in a statement. “Black Texans deserve a senator who will show up, listen, and fight for their communities — and James Talarico will be that.”
CBCPAC’s endorsement comes just weeks after Talarico expanded his black outreach team, hiring three campaign operatives, along with three firms, including one founded by Bill Burton, a former communications official for President Barack Obama.
“For too long, the Democratic Party has taken Black voters for granted — these investments show we’re not going to make that same mistake,” Talarico said at the time his team expanded. “We’ve brought on some of the most-decorated operatives in Texas politics to lead this voter outreach effort because there is no way to win Texas without listening to, investing in, and showing up for Black Texans.”
Talarico has also sought to boost his credibility among by bringing out popular political figures among black voters.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Talarico shortly after he won the nomination, though she initially backed Crockett. Obama also joined him on the campaign trail earlier this year. The former president praised Talarico’s candidacy, calling him a “terrific, a really talented young man” in an October 2025 podcast appearance.
But despite the support from the CBC, former officials, and the importance of winning black voters, Crockett still isn’t on board with her primary rival, a development that could prove crucial down the stretch.
“I will be campaigning downballot,” Crockett said on CNN’s Laura Coates Live when asked last month if she would appear with Talarico.
That said, she did endorse him at the conclusion of the primary, even if she’s not willing to work with him.
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But there are signs black voters are coming home to the Democratic Party after the divisive primary.
A poll by Texas Southern University in August showed that fewer than one in 10 Black voters say they are less likely to vote in the midterm elections after Talarico beat Crockett.
A separate poll released this week showed Talarico with a 75-point advantage among black voters, leading Paxton, 85% to 10%.