Texas Democrats are eating their own as two far-left candidates duke it out in what's shaping up to be one of the most contentious Senate primaries in recent memory. State Sen. James Talarico currently holds a razor-thin lead over Rep. Jasmine Crockett, but with vote counting still underway, this race is far from over.
As of late Tuesday night, Talarico was clinging to approximately 53% of the vote compared to Crockett's 45.8%, according to social media reports tracking the results. The Political HQ reported on Twitter that "Talarico leads by 125,946 votes" with 76% of expected votes counted, but warned the race remains "too close/early to fully call."
What's particularly telling is how this primary exposes the fractures within the Democratic Party's radical base. Both candidates represent the far-left wing that has taken over what used to be a more moderate Texas Democratic Party. Talarico, known for his progressive activism in the state legislature, is squaring off against Crockett, who has made a name for herself with inflammatory rhetoric in Congress.
The winner of this Democratic circus will face off against either Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton or another Republican candidate in what promises to be a brutal general election battle. Given Texas's solid red trajectory under President Trump's continued influence, whoever emerges from this Democratic food fight will likely face an uphill battle against any GOP nominee.
"TEXAS U.S. Senate Democratic Primary: Too close/early to fully call in some reports, but James Talarico (state Rep.) leads Jasmine Crockett (U.S. Rep.) in many updates," reported Politisite on social media, noting the race "May head to runoff if no majority."
The tight margins suggest Texas Democrats can't even agree on which brand of leftist politics they prefer. This internal division is exactly what Republicans need to see as they prepare to defend this crucial Senate seat in Trump's America.
Will Texas Democrats continue tearing each other apart, or will one of these progressives manage to unite their fractured base? Either way, Republicans should be licking their chops at the opportunity ahead.