A competitive U.S. Senate race in Texas is drawing attention to whether Black and Hispanic voters will turn out in enough numbers to help Democrat James Talarico make history. Talarico is seeking to become the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Texas in more than three decades.
Texas has more Black eligible voters than any other state, with roughly 2.7 million, giving communities in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and East Texas a potentially decisive role in the outcome. Voters interviewed in Dallas, Forney, Coppell and Denton described a range of views on whether that turnout will materialize.
Mike, a military veteran from Dallas, said he believes the moment is right for a shift in Texas politics but that it depends on whether Black and Hispanic voters show up.
“I definitely do think, if there’s any time for Texas to get a Democrat elected, this is the time to strike,” Mike said. “I think it depends on whether the Black and brown voters come out for Talarico.”
He added that voters who have called for change need to follow through at the ballot box in November.
“Everyone says, ‘Hey, we are Texas and we want change here, we want change there,'” Mike said. “Well, this is an opportunity for you guys to get change. Are you going to come out and show up at the polls? He’s got all the momentum in the world. He’s got everything going for him.”
Former President Barack Obama appeared alongside Talarico at a May campaign stop in Austin, a sign of how much Democrats are counting on Black voter turnout to make the race competitive.
Primary Divisions Linger
Talarico still faces work to unite Democrats after defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, in this year’s primary. Crockett has said she supports the Democratic ticket in Texas, but her political action committee has not endorsed Talarico or campaigned on his behalf.
Rashaun, of Forney, said the primary outcome left some Black voters frustrated.
“Everyone was behind Jasmine,” Rashaun said. “So that’s what’s blocking, I’m going to say for my people, that was blocking their minds.”
Despite that, Rashaun said she intends to vote for Talarico and hopes to see Texas flip.
“Yes, we are voting in November and it’s going to be Talarico,” she said. “We need Texas to flip. We can wish and hope and pray. But we need to get out and vote.”
Mike said the outcome may ultimately depend on whether voters choose to act or stay home.
“Right now it is on the Texas voters to get out and support James Talarico or sit at home if you don’t want to see that change,” he said.
Frustration With State Leadership
Bryant, of Coppell, pointed to dissatisfaction with Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton as a factor that could push voters toward Talarico.
“This is a critical election,” Bryant said. “I think we all can feel it in Texas, the need to get Greg Abbott out.”
“It’s time for a change,” he added. “Plus, on the other side, you see how bad Ken Paxton is and his track record and just some of the things that he’s done. It’s no longer working and we need to do something different.”
Younger Voters Weigh In
Ava, a college student from Denton, said Talarico’s outreach to younger voters, including his social media presence, has helped him connect with a generation that often feels left out of politics. She said she first learned about him after meeting him at the Texas State Fair last year.
“I do think he’s going to pull through,” she said. “He engages with the younger community, which is important because we feel like we’re not represented.”
“I think he’s going to flip the state.”
Kiara, of Dallas, said enthusiasm for Talarico needs to translate into actual votes.
“I live in Texas and I’ve been here for a really long time and it’s time for a change, a positive change,” she said. “And I think Talarico is definitely going to bring that.”
“We just have to vote,” Kiara added. “We can’t complain about the problems if you don’t want to vote to fix them.”
