n a move that could reshape the 2026 Senate map, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett has officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by longtime incumbent John Cornyn. AP News+2Dallas News+2 Her announcement came on the final day allowed for candidate filings — and just hours after former House member Colin Allred withdrew from the Democratic primary to pursue a House seat. The Guardian+2The Washington Post+2
Crockett, a two-term U.S. Representative from Dallas, is now running against state Rep. James Talarico in the March 3 Democratic primary. Dallas News+2The Guardian+2 Her entrance dramatically alters the dynamics of a race many Democrats had viewed as a long shot, given Texas’s history of Republican dominance. Wikipedia+1
Known for her outspoken style and sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump and Republican policies, Crockett has positioned herself as a bold progressive voice. Spectrum Local News+2Wikipedia+2 She has publicly argued that a win in Texas could signal a turning point — not just for the state, but for the broader national effort to regain a Senate majority. The Guardian+2AP News+2
While Texas remains a challenging environment for Democrats statewide, Crockett’s name recognition and fundraising capabilities — together with shifting demographics and energized grassroots supporters — could render the 2026 Senate contest far more competitive than many originally anticipated.
