A recent poll indicates that fewer than one in ten Black voters in Texas are less likely to participate in the upcoming November midterm elections following U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s defeat in the Democratic primary. Conducted by Texas Southern University, this survey offers insight into the sentiments of a vital voter demographic as James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, works to unify Black Democrats behind his campaign.
Despite tensions stemming from Talarico’s contentious primary win over Crockett, who is regarded as one of Texas’s leading Black politicians, the poll reveals that only 7% of surveyed Black Texans are deterred from voting due to her loss. In contrast, 79% of likely Black voters indicated their intention to support Talarico, while a mere 12% expressed support for Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee and current Texas Attorney General.
These findings suggest that Talarico’s support remains strong among Black voters, even as 77% of respondents feel that the Democratic Party tends to take Black voters for granted. Furthermore, 80% of those surveyed believe that racial dynamics influenced non-Black primary voters’ preference for Talarico over Crockett.
The TSU poll was conducted from July 27 to August 1, encompassing 500 Black Texans who had participated in recent elections, and had a margin of error of ±4.4%. In a broader survey of the statewide electorate, Talarico garnered 47% support compared to Paxton’s 45%, indicating a tight race ahead of the midterms.
Crockett, who endorsed Talarico promptly after her primary defeat, has since expressed skepticism about the unity of Black voters behind the Democratic ticket. She has opted to focus her efforts on local down-ballot races, while her supporters have urged Talarico to address criticisms and foster greater collaboration with Crockett’s base.
Recently, Talarico announced a commitment of $25 million towards outreach efforts aimed at Black voters, which he unveiled during a Houston event designed to prioritize listening to their concerns. His acknowledgment of the party’s “troubling history” regarding Black voter engagement received a positive response at the Texas Democratic Party’s convention in June.
However, criticism remains. State Rep. Jolanda Jones has publicly called out Talarico for his perceived lack of direct outreach and substantive discussion with Black community leaders. In response, Talarico recently organized a 75-minute Zoom call with Black elected officials, providing a platform for dialogue and addressing concerns.
The upcoming midterm elections in Texas will serve as a crucial test for Talarico and the Democratic Party’s ability to galvanize Black voters, a demographic that could prove decisive in a state where political dynamics are increasingly polarized. As the election date approaches, how Talarico navigates these relationships and addresses the concerns of Black voters will be paramount to his campaign’s success.
TSUBlackTexasVotersAugust2026Download
TSUStatewideAugust2026Download
