House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is urging Texas Democrats to unite quickly behind state Rep. James Talarico after the bruising Senate primary and shift their focus to the broader fight for control of Congress.
Jeffries said on NBC’s Meet the Press last week that U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas ran a “great race” despite falling short against Talarico.
Crockett will “continue to be a powerful voice as we move forward to hold this administration accountable and to push back against the extremism that they’re unleashing on the American people,” he said.
Republicans dispute that characterization, saying their policies reflect mainstream voter concerns. Talarico will face the winner of the GOP runoff May 26 between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Political Points
Jeffries, in the interview, also weighed in on:
CROCKETT VOTERS: Asked what message he had for Black voters who backed Crockett, Jeffries pointed to her statement after the results, saying Democrats must “all come together to make sure that we’re doing what’s necessary to support our Democratic nominee and to win up and down the ballot in Texas and across the country.”
MIDTERM STRATEGY: Jeffries said Democrats are focused on the 2026 elections and “we’re going to do everything we can to make sure we take back control of the House of Representatives.”
AFFORDABILITY MESSAGE: He said Democrats will focus on the economic squeeze facing voters, calling for action “to make life more affordable for everyday Americans who are struggling.”