Lubbock, Texas is witnessing a surge of political energy as James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, campaigns with a message of radical Christian love and a challenge to the established political order. The grassroots movement surrounding Talarico, a seminarian and state representative, is drawing significant crowds and sparking debate ahead of the Texas Senate primary election scheduled for next Monday, February 23, 2026. This election will determine who—Talarico or Jasmine Crockett—will challenge incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in the November midterms.
Talarico’s campaign is centered on a platform of anti-corruption and empowering working people, a message resonating with voters in a state traditionally dominated by the Republican party. He frames his political efforts as a calling, currently taking a abandon from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary to pursue the Senate seat. His unique approach, blending faith and progressive politics, has garnered him a substantial following on social media, with over two million followers on Instagram, trailing only Kamala Harris and Barack Obama in engagement among Democratic officials.
The candidate’s appearances, like the one in Lubbock, are attracting large gatherings, with approximately 1,500 people attending a recent event at the Watson Building, a historic meeting house. This demonstrates a growing interest in his candidacy, particularly in the conservative West Texas region. Talarico emphasized his commitment to representing the entire state, stating, “A love for the state, a love for this country and, most importantly, a love for all of our neighbors,” according to reporting from The Daily Toreador.
A Third Way for Texas Politics
Talarico is positioning himself as an alternative to traditional Texas politics, advocating for a “third way” that transcends partisan divides. His message of “fighting the system, not the neighbor” – as reported by the Irish Times – appeals to voters seeking a departure from the increasingly polarized political landscape. He is running a campaign that technically eschews contributions from political action committees (Pacs) and corporations, though his campaign has spent $11 million compared to Crockett’s $2.7 million. A pro-Talarico super Pac has contributed an additional $5 million to advertising efforts aimed at Crockett, highlighting the complexities of campaign finance even within a self-proclaimed grassroots movement.
The campaign’s emphasis on grassroots support is visually reinforced by a large, black, aged-fashioned campaign bus that accompanies Talarico on the trail. This imagery underscores his commitment to a campaign driven by the people, rather than by large donors. However, the financial disparity between his campaign and Crockett’s, coupled with the super Pac involvement, raises questions about the true nature of his grassroots appeal.
The Race for the Democratic Nomination
The Democratic primary race in Texas is closely watched, as the winner will face a formidable challenge against Senator John Cornyn, who has held the seat since 2002. Current polls indicate that Jasmine Crockett holds a slight advantage, but the race remains competitive. Crockett is scheduled to visit Lubbock on Monday, February 23, 2026, adding another layer of anticipation to the primary election.
Talarico’s strategy involves appealing to a broader base of voters, including evangelicals, a significant voting bloc in Texas. He believes he can make “real headway with Christians,” despite the fact that nearly 90% of white evangelicals in Texas voted for Donald Trump in 2024, according to The New Yorker. His framing of politics as a “sacrament” and his emphasis on higher values are intended to resonate with voters seeking a more ethical and compassionate approach to governance.
What to Watch Next
As the Texas Senate primary approaches, the focus will be on voter turnout and the effectiveness of each candidate’s messaging. The outcome of the primary will significantly shape the dynamics of the November general election, potentially offering Democrats a competitive path to challenge Senator Cornyn’s long-held seat. The coming weeks will reveal whether Talarico’s unique blend of faith, progressive politics, and anti-establishment rhetoric can translate into a victory and potentially signal a shift in the political landscape of Texas.
What are your thoughts on the Texas Senate race? Share your opinions in the comments below and help spread the word!