Built by Texas Trailblazers: Why Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run Carries a Legacy Forward

February 26, 2026

With the Texas Democratic primary less than a week away, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has emerged as the frontrunner in the Senate race, leading her opponent James Talarico by double digits in recent polling after the race was tied in January. If successful in the primary and general election, Crockett would become Texas's first Black woman U.S. Senator and the first Black woman elected to the Senate from any Southern state, continuing a legacy established by Texas Black women leaders like Barbara Jordan, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Sheila Jackson Lee. Her candidacy is part of a historic 2026 election cycle that could see as many as five Black women running for Senate seats, building on the current unprecedented moment of two Black women serving simultaneously.

Who is affected

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (Democratic Senate candidate)
James Talarico (her Democratic primary opponent)
Texas voters participating in the Democratic primary
Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans
Working families, seniors, labor groups, and marginalized communities that Crockett advocates for
Black women candidates running for Senate in 2026
Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester (currently serving Black women senators)
Higher Heights for America PAC

What action is being taken

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate
Voters are preparing to vote in the Democratic primary (less than a week away at time of article)
Governor Greg Abbott is spending over three million dollars on attack ads featuring Representative Crockett
Crockett's opponent is outspending her on advertising
Higher Heights for America PAC is providing strategic support to Black women candidates

Why it matters

This race represents a potential historic milestone, as Crockett would become the first Black woman U.S. Senator from Texas and from any Southern state. Her candidacy is part of an unprecedented 2026 election cycle that could dramatically increase Black women's representation in the Senate, where only five Black women have ever served. The significance extends beyond symbolism—diverse leadership leads to stronger, more inclusive policies that address economic security, healthcare access, education, reproductive freedom, and accountable governance. The race also demonstrates the continuation of a powerful Texas tradition of Black women's leadership that has shaped national debates and expanded possibilities in public life for generations.

What's next

The Democratic primary election will take place in less than a week, which will determine whether Crockett secures the nomination. If she wins the primary, she will face a Republican opponent in the November general election.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle