U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas has officially entered the 2026 race for U.S. Senate, filing her candidacy on December 8 and reshaping an already competitive Democratic primary. The announcement came just hours before Texas’s filing deadline, ending months of speculation over whether the rising Democratic star would run for the seat. Crockett said she decided after extensive consultation and internal polling that she could “have a bigger voice” for both her district and the state through a Senate campaign.
A Changing Democratic Field
Her entry places her in a primary that now includes state Rep. James Talarico, following former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred’s decision to exit the Senate race and instead run again for the U.S. House. The reshuffle has shifted attention to Crockett, who brings a national profile and enthusiastic progressive base to the contest.
Rising Profile and Political Style
Crockett, first elected to Congress in 2022, represents a majority-minority district in Dallas and is widely recognized for her fiery, unapologetic style in committee hearings and national media appearances. Her confrontations with Republican lawmakers have made her a prominent progressive voice, drawing both admiration from Democrats and sharp criticism from conservative leaders who argue she is too polarizing for a statewide race.
Impact on Texas Political Landscape
Her decision brings new clarity to North Texas politics, where recently redrawn congressional maps had created uncertainty for Democratic incumbents. Rather than engaging in a potentially contentious primary for her House seat, Crockett is now seeking statewide leadership—an ambitious move that reflects Democrats’ belief that demographic and political shifts may be creating new opportunities in Texas.
Looking Toward the General Election
If she wins the Democratic primary, Crockett is expected to face GOP Sen. John Cornyn, although speculation persists that Republicans such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton or Rep. Wesley Hunt may enter the race if Cornyn steps aside. Early Republican responses to Crockett’s announcement framed her as too extreme for Texas voters, while Democratic strategists countered that she could energize younger voters and communities of color across the state.
Democrats Eye a Long-Sought Breakthrough
Texas has not elected a Democrat statewide in over 30 years, but Crockett’s supporters argue that 2026 could represent a unique opening. They point to rising Democratic turnout, rapid population growth in urban and suburban counties, and signs of dissatisfaction among parts of the Republican electorate. Political analysts, however, caution that while the environment may be shifting, flipping a statewide seat will still require a broad coalition and a disciplined, well-funded campaign.
A Race to Watch
With Crockett now in the race, the 2026 Texas Senate contest is expected to be one of the cycle’s most closely watched battles. Her candidacy tests whether a bold, high-profile progressive can overcome the state’s long-standing Republican advantage or whether the GOP’s statewide dominance will remain firmly intact.
