Democratic strategists are expressing concern that James Talarico’s chances of altering Texas’s political landscape might be at risk. The primary issue? A notable lack of enthusiasm among Black voters in Texas, who reportedly feel “betrayed” by the party.
Ashley Etienne, an experienced Democratic strategist who formerly advised both President Obama and Vice President Harris, stated that although Talarico has made some controversial remarks in the past, he is still “incredibly well-positioned” to make history by flipping a Texas Senate seat blue for the first time in decades. Yet, she emphasized a crucial obstacle: Black voters are feeling let down, particularly following the loss of Jasmine Crockett in the primaries.
Talarico, currently a Texas congressman and also a Presbyterian seminarian, secured the Democratic nomination over Crockett, a Black representative, just earlier this year.
Etienne elaborated on the aftermath of Crockett’s defeat, noting that many voters, especially Black women, perceive that the Democratic Party is keen on their participation in the workforce but disregards them in leadership roles. “The two biggest examples,” she pointed out, are “the loss of Kamala Harris and the loss of Jasmine Crockett.”
Talarico’s past radical comments, including remarks about Christianity and claims regarding gender identity, have also stirred controversy. Despite this, Etienne believes he might be able to navigate past those statements. Still, the feelings of abandonment among Black voters could be a significant hurdle for his campaign.
Etienne, a Texas native with experience as a senior advisor to high-profile politicians, mentioned an opinion piece she co-created and referenced a quote from a Black woman voter expressing frustration: “We Black women give 92 percent of our votes to the Democratic Party, and we get nothing out of this deal.” She noted that this sentiment resonates widely among Black women.
Etienne warned that this feelings of discontent serve as a warning for Talarico’s campaign.
Moreover, Etienne pointed out the alarming number of around 1.1 million registered Black voters in Texas who haven’t yet cast their ballots. She emphasized that energizing these potential voters is critical for Talarico to attain success in this traditionally conservative state, particularly by appealing to Black women.
In her words, “black women are not just a constituency.” They possess the capability to rally their entire community to the polls, which they have successfully demonstrated in various election cycles. However, she added, “When Black women feel depressed, they lose the opportunity to really reach out, mobilize, engage, and energize other Black communities.” And that, she argued, is something that Talarico needs to address.
Dallas Jones, another Democratic strategist who worked as Texas political director for Biden’s campaign, backed Etienne’s views during his interview, criticizing Talarico supporters who have suggested that Crockett should step in to support him. While Crockett does support Talarico, she has noticeably been absent from campaign events.
Jones further explained that while some are pressuring Crockett to back Talarico, it is primarily his supporters who are vocalizing this sentiment. He highlighted that a significant portion of her supporters feels she isn’t obliged to assist Talarico, citing that it’s his responsibility to earn their votes.
Jones mentioned there are countless Black Texans eager to support Talarico’s campaign, but that support can fade over time. He dismissed the idea that Talarico’s controversial remarks would heavily influence Black voters, insisting that the sentiment towards Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is also impactful.
He continued, stating that mobilizing enthusiasm rather than merely persuasion is essential for Talarico’s campaign. “He himself admits that he can’t win the state without Black voters. This is not a persuasion game; it’s a passion game.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Talarico’s campaign for further clarification, as well as inquiries to Crockett’s office and Paxton’s campaign.
