Crockett and Green Fall in Texas Democratic Primaries: Potential Boost for GOP in Midterms

AUSTIN – U.S. Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Al Green lost their Democratic primaries Tuesday, reshaping Texas' congressional landscape and potentially aiding Republicans in the November general election amid a competitive Senate race.

Crockett, representing Texas' 30th District, sought the Democratic Senate nomination but was defeated by state Rep. James Talarico, who garnered 53% of the vote to Crockett's 46%. Talarico, a moderate with appeal to independents, positioned himself as a stronger general election contender in a state where Democrats last won statewide in 1994. Crockett's loss means she will leave her House seat at term's end, with three candidates vying for the open Dallas-based district, likely remaining Democratic.

Green, a longtime incumbent from Houston's 9th District, shifted to the redrawn 18th District after mid-decade redistricting but fell to Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, who led with 49% to Green's 43%. Menefee, recently elected in a special runoff for the seat, campaigned on fresh leadership. The 18th District favors Democrats, so Menefee is favored in the general against a GOP opponent.

These upsets highlight Democratic internal divisions and redistricting impacts, potentially weakening turnout in key areas. For Republicans, facing a Talarico nomination could complicate the Senate race—currently in a runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton—offering opportunities to flip seats and expand their House majority while defending Senate control. Early voting surged, signaling high stakes for midterms under President Trump's second term.