Talarico clinches Democratic Senate nomination in Texas, CNN projects

CNN projects Texas state Rep. James Talarico will win the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, defeating Jasmine Crockett and setting up a November showdown against either John Cornyn or Ken Paxton, who will vie in a May 26 runoff. The race highlighted contrasting strategies—Talarico’s faith-focused messaging and Crockett’s aggressive, base-oriented approach—and featured a large fundraising edge for Talarico (well over $20 million versus Crockett’s roughly $3.7 million, plus transfers). Democrats see potential for the seat despite Texas’ recent Republican tilt, while Crockett emphasized energizing base voters and Talarico urged appealing to independents beyond the base.