Kamala Harris Endorses Jasmine Crockett In Texas Senate Primary
Harris recorded robocalls backing Rep. Jasmine Crockett ahead of Texas's March 3 Democratic Senate primary, marking her first competitive primary endorsement since 2024.
Overview
Former Vice President Kamala Harris recorded at least one robocall endorsing U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Crockett campaign spokesperson confirmed Friday.
The endorsement arrives ahead of the March 3 Democratic primary, with a second robocall scheduled for release on Tuesday, and early voting wrapping up Friday, according to a Harris aide and campaign statements.
Crockett, a national co-chair of Harris's 2024 campaign, is competing with state Rep. James Talarico for the Democratic nomination, with Talarico emphasizing crossover appeal to Republican voters.
The seat is a long shot for Democrats, no Democrat has won statewide office in Texas since 1994, and Republicans face a competitive primary that is expected to head to a May 26 runoff.
The Democratic primary could be decided March 3 if a candidate wins a majority, while the Republican contest is expected to head to a May 26 runoff, keeping the outcome uncertain into the spring.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the endorsement as an establishment intervention addressing doubts about Crockett’s electability, using evaluative language like "stamp of approval," "too controversial," and "fierce rhetorical brawler." They highlight strategic context (timing, Trump’s absence) and emphasize electoral viability over substantive policy discussion.
Sources (6)
FAQ
Harris is backing Crockett as her preferred candidate in the competitive Democratic Senate primary race. Crockett served as a national co-chair of Harris's 2024 presidential campaign, indicating a prior relationship between the two. Harris emphasizes Crockett's qualifications to 'hold Trump and his billionaire allies accountable' in her robocall message. This endorsement is significant because it marks Harris's first backing of a candidate in such a bitterly contested primary since her 2024 election defeat, making it a test of her remaining political influence.
Polling shows conflicting results depending on the survey's timing and methodology. The University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll from mid-February found Crockett leading 56% to 44%, with a 12-point advantage. However, a more recent Emerson College Polling survey shows Talarico ahead 47% to 38%, suggesting Talarico has gained momentum. Crockett maintains strong support among Black voters (87% in the UT poll), while Talarico performs better with Hispanic and white voters.
History
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