TEXAS — Democrats will check in for their convention this week with optimism about the party’s chances ahead of November but also looking to unify the party with support from its largest bloc of voters.
“Their main concern is whether James Talarico, who will be the leading force on their ticket, is able to attract a large majority of the Black vote,” said Southern Methodist University political science professor Cal Jillson.
Democrats see state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, as the best opportunity to flip the long-held Republican U.S. Senate seat and want to see how he will win over Black voters who overwhelmingly supported U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, in the primary. Talarico has met with Black leaders, churches and universities, but some think he could do more.
Dallas Jones, a Democratic strategist, thinks Talarico needs to campaign outside of Black churches and utilize Black content creators.
“It’s about, one, recognizing and acknowledging Black power and the power that Black voters play in this process,” said Jones.
Crockett has expressed support for Talarico but has also voiced doubt about Talarico’s strength with Black voters. She has said she will not be on the Senate campaign trail and plans to focus her energy on down-ballot candidates.
While Crockett’s in-person support would make a difference, one Democratic strategist says such an expectation can further frustrate Black voters.
“It stokes the feeling that not only do you take our votes for granted, but now you’re insistent that the Black woman that you rejected has an obligation to go out and do that which she has chosen not to do,” said Jones.
Matt Angle, who helps Democrats campaign, thinks the party is unified and says Crockett’s help down-ballot is important for party organization ahead of November.
“It allows us to spend a lot of time telling people what’s wrong with Republicans… For a long time, both Democrats and Republicans in Texas kind of took pride in being our own brand. And Republicans don’t even pretend that anymore. … They’ve joined the MAGA party. … They’ve surrendered the Texas brand. Democrats have not,” said Angle with the Lone Star Project.
Talarico will address the convention Friday night, and at least one political scientist expects an outward show of support from Black Democrats.
“It will be important for leading Black Democrats in the state to be over his shoulders, standing behind him while he makes his case, showing support,” said Jillson.
Still, political scientists emphasize primaries are like family fights, which will eventually be resolved with time.