Democrats Crockett, Talarico align on much in Texas Senate debate. Trump impeachment is different

Texas Senate Race Heats Up as Democratic Candidates Debate Key Issues

Democratic candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico faced off in their first debate for U.S. Senate in Texas, revealing subtle policy differences despite broad agreement on major issues. The debate, held before hundreds of labor union members at the Texas AFL-CIO political convention, offered a preview of themes likely to dominate the Democratic campaign in a state long considered a Republican stronghold.

Crockett, a second-term U.S. House member known for her outspoken style, and Talarico, a more measured four-term state representative, are vying to challenge the winner of the Republican primary between incumbent Senator John Cornyn, Representative Wesley Hunt, and state Attorney General Ken Paxton after the March 3 Democratic primary.

While both candidates positioned themselves as fighters for Democratic values, their approaches to several key issues revealed noteworthy distinctions. On the question of a potential Trump impeachment, Crockett took a firm stance, stating, “I think that there is more than enough to impeach Donald Trump. Ultimately, do I think we should go through the formal process? Absolutely.” She specifically mentioned investigating Trump’s use of tariffs as a starting point.

Talarico, however, was more measured in his response, acknowledging that “the administration has certainly committed impeachable offenses” but stopping short of explicitly supporting impeachment proceedings. He emphasized the Senate’s role in an impeachment process, saying, “I’m not going to articulate articles of impeachment here at a political debate,” while promising to weigh evidence fairly if elected.

The candidates also differed on their approach to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Both condemned a recent shooting by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis and expressed support for impeachment proceedings against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. However, Talarico took a stronger position on ICE funding, explicitly stating, “We should take that money back and put it in our communities where it belongs.” Crockett was less specific, saying, “We absolutely have to clean house. Whatever that looks like, I’m willing to do it.”

The stylistic contrast between the candidates was evident throughout the debate. Crockett, a 44-year-old Dallas civil rights lawyer and former public defender who has gained national attention for her candid style and viral moments, presented herself as a disruptive force. “I am here to fight the system, the system that is holding so many of us down,” she declared, adding that Democratic voters are seeking someone who can tap into “the rawness of this moment.”

Talarico, a former public school teacher currently attending Presbyterian seminary, emphasized his record of opposing Republican initiatives in the Texas legislature, particularly Governor Greg Abbott’s agenda on educational issues. “We need a proven fighter for our schools, for our values, for our constituents in the halls of power,” he argued. “I think we need a teacher in the United States Senate.”

On economic policy, both candidates found common ground, supporting higher taxes on wealthy Americans and the elimination of tariffs to lower consumer prices. “We have to roll back these tariffs,” said Crockett. “It’s hurting farmers and ranchers who are filing a record number of bankruptcies.”

Talarico was particularly vocal about tax reform, stating, “What I will not compromise on is making sure these billionaires pay for all that they have gotten from this country,” though he didn’t specify exact tax rates he would propose.

Both candidates also expressed support for Medicare for all, with Crockett asserting, “If we truly believe that everyone should have access to health care, we can make that a reality with bold leadership.” Talarico additionally voiced interest in universal basic income, noting he was “very encouraged by some pilot programs.”

The debate highlighted each candidate’s strategy for appealing to voters in a state that hasn’t elected a Democratic senator in decades. Crockett, who is Black, emphasized her potential to mobilize disaffected Black voters, while Talarico suggested his Christian faith might help attract rural voters dissatisfied with Republican leadership.

As Texas Democrats prepare to select their nominee, the contrast between Crockett’s confrontational approach and Talarico’s more measured style presents primary voters with a clear choice in messaging strategy, even as both candidates remain broadly aligned on policy priorities.