Texas Senate Race Heats Up Over Remark
The Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate has taken an ugly turn.
James Talarico, a state representative running for the Democratic nomination, is facing accusations that he made a racially charged comment about former congressman Colin Allred.
The claim came from TikTok influencer Morgan Thompson, who said a private conversation with Talarico included the line that he signed up to run against “a mediocre Black man,” meaning Allred, and “not a formidable, intelligent Black woman,” meaning Jasmine Crockett. That allegation has circulated online and prompted public pushback.
Allred responded directly in a social media video. He said: “I understand that James Talarico had the temerity and audacity to say to a Black woman that he had signed up to run against a mediocre black man, meaning me,” and added, “This man should not be our nominee for Senate. I was not going to get involved in this race, but don’t come for me unless I send for you, OK James? And keep my name out of your mouth.”
Allred also posted a message on Twitter/X calling out Talarico by name.
Hey 👋🏽 @jamestalarico — don’t come for me unless I send for you. pic.twitter.com/ryVA6irNWY
— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) February 2, 2026
None of the involved campaigns have produced definitive corroboration of the private remark beyond the influencer’s account. Talarico has pushed back on parts of the narrative, but the accusation has already become a talking point in the race.
Beyond the alleged comment, Talarico drew criticism after a podcast interview where he discussed religion and abortion. On the Joe Rogan Experience he argued the Bible could be read as pro-choice, using the Annunciation story as an example. A clip shared by media outlets quotes him saying, “The Angel comes down and asks Mary if this is something she wants to do. To me, that is an affirmation in one of our central stories.”
Texas Democrat US Senate candidate James Talarico claims the Bible is pro-choice: “The Angel comes down and asks Mary if this is something she wants to do. To me, that is an affirmation in one of our central stories.” pic.twitter.com/TgjaLtWgRB
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) February 3, 2026
The combination of the racial comment allegation and the podcast remarks has moved the race away from policy debates. It’s now about judgment, messaging, and who can best represent the party in a competitive Senate contest.
For Republicans watching, this is another sign of Democratic infighting to highlight in the fall. For Democrats, it is a fast-unfolding dispute that may influence voters in the primary. Either way, the Texas Senate primary just got louder, and candidates will have to answer questions about tone and judgment as the campaign heats up.