Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, described her recent Democratic Senate primary race as "a racist race" in an interview published on July 9, 2026. She stated she does not intend to campaign alongside the party's nominee and former primary opponent, James Talarico.

Speaking at the 2026 Essence Festival alongside hosts of the "Native Land" podcast, Crockett said the best way she could support Talarico was by endorsing Black candidates down ballot to increase voter turnout among Black voters in the November general election. "The best thing that I can do is take down-ballot candidates who no one's ever heard of and do my best to uplift them and increase the voter participation in a way that we did in Texas," she said.

Crockett acknowledged criticism of her campaign, stating, "You see, a lot of haters got a lot of things to say about me and my race and how I ran it," but maintained that the race was influenced by racism. She also commented on the differing standards to which she is held.

The comments came during the Essence Festival in New Orleans, where Crockett spoke on the Global Black Economic Forum Stage. Meanwhile, James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, continues his campaign efforts following his primary victory.

Sources