Harris Throws Support Behind Crockett
*Former Vice President Kamala Harris has endorsed U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) in Texas’ Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, marking her most significant political involvement since leaving office after the 2024 election.
The endorsement came on February 27, 2026—just days before the Tuesday, March 3 primary—via robocalls to Texas Democrats. In the pre-recorded messages, Harris urged voters to support Crockett, calling her a “fighter” with the experience to hold President Trump and his allies accountable.
“Hi, this is Kamala Harris, and I’m calling to encourage you to please go vote for my friend Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary today, Friday, February 27, or on Election Day, Tuesday, March 3,” Harris said in the recorded message. “Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate. Jasmine has the experience and record to hold Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies accountable.”
This marks Harris’ first major endorsement in the 2026 cycle, providing a high-profile boost to Crockett amid a competitive primary against state Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin). Political analysts view this as Harris testing the waters for potential future involvement in national politics, though her office has made no announcements regarding her own political plans.
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A Competitive Primary Battle Heats Up
The endorsement provides critical momentum for Crockett in the final days before voters head to the polls. Recent polling shows varying results, with a University of Texas/Texas Politics Project survey giving Crockett a 56% to 44% lead, though internal campaign polling suggests a tighter race.
Crockett has built her campaign on a progressive platform emphasizing criminal justice reform, economic equality, and holding Trump administration officials accountable. She has strong support among Black voters, with recent polling showing 87% backing her candidacy. She also leads with seniors and voters without college degrees, demographics crucial for Democratic turnout in primary elections.
Talarico, meanwhile, has gained ground with white voters and moderate Democrats, closing the recognition gap after a viral appearance on late-night television that showcased his Austin-based progressive yet pragmatic approach. He has emphasized his Texas roots and ability to appeal to independents and disaffected Republicans in a general election.
The two have traded sharp criticisms in recent weeks. Crockett has questioned Talarico’s pledges about dark money and his willingness to stand up to party leadership. Talarico has accused Republicans of meddling to boost Crockett’s candidacy, pointing to Governor Greg Abbott’s advertising campaign as evidence of GOP interference.
GOP Meddling Allegations Complicate the Race
Texas Republicans, led by Gov. Greg Abbott, have launched a $3.4 million ad campaign linking Crockett to high-profile liberals like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. While the ads ostensibly attack Crockett, critics argue they are strategically designed to boost her candidacy over Talarico.
Abbott’s strategist Dave Carney described the ads’ message bluntly: “You vote for us Republicans, or you get this: A.O.C. and Mamdani and Crockett.”
The strategy appears aimed at elevating Crockett, whom Republicans view as more polarizing and potentially less electable in a statewide general election against either Sen. John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton. Recent polling suggests Talarico performs better against Republicans in hypothetical matchups, underscoring why the GOP might prefer Crockett as the Democratic nominee.
Talarico has seized on the GOP involvement, telling FOX 4: “This is not the only time that we’ve seen Republicans meddling in this primary. They did it at the very beginning of the primary fight.”
Some political analysts suggest the ads risk backfiring by rallying Crockett’s base or exposing Republican interference, potentially boosting sympathy for her candidacy. The confusing messaging highlights Crockett’s progressive credentials in ways that could actually appeal to Democratic primary voters who view those associations positively.
What’s at Stake in Tuesday’s Primary
The winner of Tuesday’s primary will face the Republican nominee in the November general election. The GOP primary remains competitive between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt, with recent polling showing a tight three-way race.
While Texas remains a Republican stronghold, Democrats view this seat as a potential pickup opportunity amid shifting political dynamics and changing demographics in suburban areas. National Democratic strategists are watching the race closely as a bellwether for the party’s chances in 2026.
Harris’ endorsement aligns with Crockett’s progressive base and could help drive turnout in urban areas like Dallas and Houston, where Crockett performs best. The former vice president’s involvement may also energize women voters and voters of color, both critical demographics for Democratic success in Texas.
Early voting numbers suggest robust Democratic turnout, particularly in Harris County (Houston) and Dallas County, where Crockett’s congressional district is based. Election officials expect final turnout to exceed typical midterm primary levels.
Polls open Tuesday, March 3, at 7:00 AM local time across Texas. Results are expected to begin flowing in shortly after polls close at 7:00 PM.
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