The upcoming 2026 midterm elections in Texas are set to kick off with the candidate filing period, starting Saturday. This initial phase allows candidates a month to declare their participation in the primaries. Primary winners will then move on to the general election in November, where Texas voters will select nominees across various local, state, federal, and judicial races.
Jasmine Crockett Senate Bid: Key Questions as Filing Opens
One of the most discussed potential candidates is U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett from Dallas. She has been considering a run in the Democratic Senate primary for the seat currently occupied by Republican John Cornyn. Over recent weeks, her public statements have intensified speculation about her intentions.
Crockett is evaluating her viability in the race using polls and data. She is not inclined to pursue a candidacy she perceives as hopeless, especially since Democrats have not secured a statewide race in Texas since 1994. The political landscape became more interesting when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his challenge against Cornyn for the GOP nomination.
Strategic Considerations for Crockett
Democrats think Paxton’s contentious background, including an impeachment effort and his ongoing divorce proceedings, may weaken his candidacy. If he becomes the Republican nominee, Democrats believe Crockett could have a better chance, despite acknowledging the general challenge of statewide elections in Texas, where Republican voter turnout typically outweighs that of Democrats.
- Crockett’s potential Senate run could energize younger and disenchanted voters.
- Her entry into the race would likely reshape the Democratic primary dynamics.
- Polling indicates she currently holds significant support among Democrats.
A recent University of Houston-Texas Southern University poll showed Crockett leading with 31% support, compared to former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred at 13% and state Rep. James Talarico at 25%. Additionally, she has demonstrated strong fundraising capabilities with over $4.6 million in her congressional campaign fund.
Implications for Other Democratic Candidates
Crockett’s entry would transform the contest, which is currently a competition between Allred and Talarico. As her support grows, both competitors might find their paths challenging.
With the filing deadline set for December 8, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the candidates who will officially run for the Senate seat. Crockett’s decisions will also influence the broader landscape of the Democratic primaries.
Beyond Senate aspirations, North Texas Democrats face the impact of newly drawn congressional maps. These alterations have left several representatives, including Marc Veasey and Julie Johnson, reassessing their routes for the 2026 elections. Questions remain about which districts they will target after significant territorial changes.
Looking Ahead
As the filing period approaches, all eyes will be on Jasmine Crockett and her potential Senate candidacy. Her decision could significantly impact not only her political future but also the Democratic Party’s chances in Texas during the upcoming midterms. With the final deadline approaching, clarity on her intentions is eagerly anticipated.
