U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) picked up a notable endorsement from a former colleague and Senate nominee, marking a notable development in what projects to be a fierce primary contest as she seeks her party’s nomination for U.S. Senate this cycle.
Ex-U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who represented the Lone Star State’s 32nd Congressional District from 2019 through 2025, announced Sunday that he will be backing Crockett’s campaign. Allred, an ex-NFL linebacker and attorney, had briefly launched his own bid for the nomination once again before dropping out in December.
Allred gained statewide recognition as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 U.S. Senate race against incumbent Senator Ted Cruz, where he outperformed Vice President Kamala Harris by about five points in Texas but ultimately lost.
In an endorsement video, Allred took aim at Crockett’s main rival, Texas State Rep. James Talarico. “I understand that James Talarico had the temerity and the audacity to say to a Black woman that he had signed up to run against a ‘mediocre Black man,’ meaning me, and not a ‘formidable, intelligent Black woman,’ meaning Jasmine Crockett,” he said.
The ex-congressman was speaking in reference to alleged comments made by Talarico, which the state lawmaker has denied.
Allred concluded by urging voters to support Crockett, saying, “Go vote for Jasmine Crockett. This man should not be our nominee for United States Senate.”
Hey 👋🏽 @jamestalarico — don’t come for me unless I send for you. pic.twitter.com/ryVA6irNWY
— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) February 2, 2026
Talarico, 36, has served in the Texas legislature since 2018. Prior to entering politics, he worked as a public school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian from Round Rock.
The race between Talarico and Crockett has sparked a Democrat civil war between the party’s progressive faction, many of whom back Crockett, and those who feel Talarico is more electable.
Polling indicates a razor-close race. One survey from Texas Public Opinion Research, conducted from January 14-21, 2026, found Crockett leading Talarico with 38 percent of the vote to 37 percent, with an additional 21 percent undecided.
Endorsements are largely split between the two candidates. Crockett has secured backing from the San Antonio Express-News and now Allred, while Talarico has received support from the Houston Chronicle editorial board, State Tejano Democrats, No Dem Left Behind, and Democrats Work for America.
On fundraising, Talarico entered 2026 with a cash advantage, holding $7.1 million compared to Crockett’s $5.6 million. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Talarico raised $6.9 million, slightly outpacing Crockett’s $6.5 million, which included $4.5 million transferred from her House account.
The primary contest is set for March 3, with early voting beginning on February 17.
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