GD POLITICS Can Any Democrat Flip Texas?
Dec 11, 2025
Jacob Rubashkin, Deputy Editor at Inside Elections, dives into the fiery Texas Senate primary featuring Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett. He assesses her controversial candidacy and its potential to flip Texas amidst a charged political environment. The discussion also reveals insights on the impact of GOP nominees and contrasts Crockett's strategy with that of fellow candidate Tallarico. Additionally, they explore lessons from past Texas races and the dynamics shaping key Senate contests across the nation.
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Name ID Cuts Both Ways
- Name recognition gives Ken Paxton a different starting position than lesser-known Democrats.
- Paxton's universal ID creates inherent vulnerability that Democrats can exploit if he becomes the nominee.
GOP Primary Will Be Bloodier
- The Republican primary looks likelier to produce negative, expensive attacks than the Democratic primary.
- A bruising GOP primary could leave their eventual nominee weakened for the general election.
Strategy, Not Ideology, Defines The Race
- The Crockett-Tallarico divide is less ideological and more about strategy and approach to winning Texas.
- Tallarico aims to broaden the coalition; Crockett aims to energize core Democrats and non-voters.