Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett in Texas’ Democratic U.S. Senate primary, recording a robocall urging voters to back the Dallas congresswoman days before Tuesday’s contest against state Representative James Talarico.
Harris’ endorsement has injected late momentum and online jabs into an already closely watched primary that Democrats view as an early test of messaging and turnout in a Republican-leaning state.
Newsweek reached out to political analysts via email on Friday night for comment.
Why It Matters
Texas’ Democratic Senate primary is the first marquee contest of the 2026 midterms, and Harris’ intervention underscores a strategic divide inside the party between Crockett’s anti-Trump approach and Talarico’s potential crossover pitch to moderates in a state long dominated by Republicans.
What To Know
According to The New York Times citing earlier reporting from The Texas Tribune, Harris recorded a robocall sent to Democrats in the Lone Star State.
“Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate,” Harris said, per the Times. “Jasmine has the experience and record to hold Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies accountable.” The former vice president then went on to urge people to vote.
Crockett, a second-term member of Congress, has cultivated a noticeable style in Washington that has energized segments of the Democratic base, while Talarico, a state legislator and Presbyterian seminarian, has potential appeal to moderate Republicans, his supporters note.
Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz posted to X, saying, “Birds of a feather….” reacting to Harris’ endorsement of Crockett.
Attorney and policy advocate Deep Singh Badhesha on X also reacted to Harris’ robocall, saying, “Congrats to Talarico for this amazing gift! Kamala Harris definitely still has the stench of defeat on her and makes Talarico look like the outsider pick challenging the establishment”
What People Are Saying
Craig Agranoff, political analyst and Florida Atlantic University professor, to Newsweek via text on Friday: “Harris’s endorsement of Crockett is a bold, high stakes move. It fires up the progressive base, capitalizes on Crockett’s national profile, and could unify Democrats in Tuesday’s primary to take on Sen. Cornyn.
“At the same time, it’s risky in deep red Texas. Crockett’s fiery style makes her an easier target for Republicans, who’ve already tried boosting her in the primary, and could alienate moderates, jeopardizing any realistic shot at flipping the seat. It’s a gamble that prioritizes turnout over broad electability.”
Sara Spector, attorney and political pundit, on X Friday: “Robocalls? What’s next? A Beyoncé endorsement? Crockett is desperate!”
Former Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips, on X Friday: “I’ll give credit where it’s due. @KamalaHarris is skilled at supporting Democrats who either a) cannot win or b) cannot serve.”
Media contributor Rotimi Adeoye, on X Friday: “The first serious 2028 contender willing to have some strength and endorse Talarico is someone to watch. If Talarico wins the primary, it’s a small but real data point in the proxy fight between the Democratic Party of the failed past and the one of the future trying to emerge.”
Crockett, on X Thursday: “Alright South Texas, it’s your turn. Brownsville, Edinburg, Laredo, we’re on the way! Early voting is open, so meet me at the polls. Let’s vote for better healthcare, a stronger economy, and a future that actually works for our families! #JuntosConCrockett #TexasTough”
What Happens Next
The primaries in Texas are set for Tuesday.
