January 1, Democrats Desperate for Black Voters to Flip Texas

Wyatt’s Take

• Democrats are pinning their hopes on Black voter turnout in Texas to break the GOP’s long winning streak.
• James Talarico faces an uphill climb after a bitter primary fight left key supporters like Jasmine Crockett sitting on the sidelines.
• Texas voters at the state fair say the outcome comes down to whether enough folks show up to vote for change.

DALLAS — The Texas Senate race has turned into a test of whether Democrat James Talarico can rally Black voters in numbers large enough to end the Republican winning streak that has held for decades.

Voters interviewed at the Texas State Fair said the result will likely hinge on turnout among Black and Hispanic communities in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and East Texas.

“I definitely do think, if there’s any time for Texas to get a Democrat elected, this is the time to strike,” Mike, a military veteran from Dallas, told Fox News Digital. “I think it depends on whether the Black and Brown voters come out for Talarico.”

Talarico is trying to become the first Democrat in more than thirty years to win a statewide race in Texas.

“Everyone says, ‘Hey, we are Texas and we want change here, we want change there,’” Mike added. “Well, this is an opportunity for you guys to get change. Are you going to come out and show up at the polls? He’s got all the momentum in the world. He’s got everything going for him.”

Texas holds the largest number of eligible Black voters of any state, giving those communities real power in any Democrat’s bid to flip the state.

Former President Barack Obama joined Talarico at a May event in Austin, showing how important Democrats consider the Black vote in their push to make Texas competitive.

But Talarico is still recovering from a divisive primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who has not endorsed him despite claiming to support the broader Democratic ticket.

Rashaun, of Forney, Texas, said some Black voters remain frustrated after Crockett’s loss.

“Everyone was behind Jasmine,” Rashaun said. “So that’s what’s blocking, I’m going to say for my people, that was blocking their minds.”

Still, Rashaun plans to vote for Talarico and hopes Texas turns blue in November.

“Yes, we are voting in November and it’s going to be Talarico,” she said. “We need Texas to flip. We can wish and hope and pray. But we need to get out and vote.”

Mike said the election may come down to whether voters are willing to act.

“Right now it is on the Texas voters to get out and support James Talarico or sit at home if you don’t want to see that change,” he said.

Bryant, of Coppell, Texas, pointed to frustration with Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton as a reason some want change.

“This is a critical election,” Bryant said. “I think we all can feel it in Texas, the need to get Greg Abbott out.”

“It’s time for a change,” he added. “Plus, on the other side, you see how bad Ken Paxton is and his track record and just some of the things that he’s done. It’s no longer working and we need to do something different.”

Ava, a college student from Denton, said Talarico’s outreach to younger voters has helped him connect with a generation that often feels overlooked.

“I do think he’s going to pull through,” she said. “He engages with the younger community, which is important because we feel like we’re not represented.”

She added that his social media presence has also helped younger voters connect with his campaign.

Kiara, of Dallas, said supporters must turn enthusiasm into votes.

“I live in Texas, and I’ve been here for a really long time, and it’s time for a change, a positive change,” she said. “And I think Talarico is definitely going to bring that.”

“We just have to vote,” Kiara added. “We can’t complain about the problems if you don’t want to vote to fix them.”

Wyatt Matters

Texas families want leaders who respect hard work, secure borders, and the right to raise children without government interference. Real change happens when folks show up and vote for those values, not when politicians chase new blocs to flip the map.