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Colbert Interview Pull Boosts Talarico Fundraising While Crockett Leads Texas Senate Poll

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Primary Contest and Candidate Landscape The March 3, 2026 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate pits Rep. Jasmine Crockett against Rep. James Talarico, with incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn also facing a primary challenge from AG Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt [2]. Both Democrats are courting a historically Republican electorate, hoping to capitalize on a rare opportunity to win a Texas Senate seat for the first time since 1988 [2]. Early voting has already begun, intensifying the race ahead of the primary [2].

Fundraising Surge After Colbert Interview Pull A scheduled interview with Stephen Colbert was withdrawn after CBS lawyers warned of potential violations of Trump‑administration regulatory guidance, yet the clip amassed nearly 8 million YouTube views [2]. Within 24 hours, Talarico’s campaign reported a $2.5 million fundraising boost, contributing to his total of more than $20 million raised since September [1][2]. By contrast, Crockett has collected $3.7 million since December and transferred an additional $4.8 million from her House account, leaving her ad presence far behind Talarico’s [1].

Crockett’s Unconventional Campaign Tactics Rejecting the traditional playbook, Crockett has held events at bars, concerts, and flea markets while partnering with the Texas Organizing Project to mobilize Black and Latino voters [1]. She intensified her ground operation with multiple rallies in the Dallas‑Fort Worth area, urging supporters “not to let up off the gas” and emphasizing democratic fragility [2]. A University of Houston poll of likely Democratic primary voters showed Crockett ahead of Talarico by eight points in January [1].

Controversies Shaping Electability Perceptions Crockett’s 2024 remark about a “slave mentality” among some Latino Trump supporters sparked criticism and prompted comedians on the “Las Culturistas” podcast to advise listeners against donating to her, later issuing an apology [1]. The Colbert interview removal reignited debate over the FCC’s “equal‑time” exemption for talk shows, with Chair Brendan Carr questioning its continuation [2]. These issues have added scrutiny to both candidates as the primary approaches.

Sources

Timeline

Dec 7, 2025 – Jasmine Crockett prepares two cashier’s checks for simultaneous filing decisions, consults Colin Allred, Rep. Marc Veasey and Stacey Abrams, and cites an October University‑of‑Houston poll suggesting she could lead a four‑way primary [6].

Dec 8, 2025 – Crockett files paperwork hours before the deadline, officially entering the Texas Democratic Senate primary and abandoning her 30th‑District House seat, while former Rep. Colin Allred withdraws to run in the newly drawn CD 33 [9].

Dec 8, 2025 – At a Dallas rally, Crockett declares “I’m coming for you” to President Trump, challenges his “low IQ” insult, and reports $4.6 million raised for her Senate bid [13].

Dec 27, 2025 – Democratic strategists rank Maine and North Carolina as top 2026 Senate pickup targets and note an external poll giving Crockett a lead over Talarico in the Texas Democratic primary [8].

Jan 9, 2026 – Texas primaries open, setting a March 3 contest where incumbent Sen. John Cornyn faces GOP challengers Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt, and Democrats aim to break a three‑decade statewide win drought [4].

Jan 24, 2026 – The first Democratic Senate debate takes place at the Texas AFL‑CIO convention; Crockett touts her “outspoken and fiery” style, saying “the system has been fighting me, so I’m fighting back,” while Talarico stresses unity and faith‑based outreach [3].

Jan 25, 2026 – Crockett attacks Talarico’s 2021 legislative walkout, cites an Emerson poll showing a 9‑point Talarico lead versus a Barbara Jordan poll giving her an 8‑point advantage, and vows to “shut down” ICE funding despite seven Democrats supporting it [7].

Feb 3, 2026 – TikToker Morgan Thompson alleges Talarico called Rep. Colin Allred a “mediocre Black man,” prompting Allred to endorse Crockett and the Talarico campaign to label the claim a mischaracterization [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – CBS pulls Stephen Colbert’s interview with Talarico over legal concerns; the clip goes viral, generating a $2.5 million fundraising surge for Talarico, while Crockett ramps up Dallas‑Fort Worth rallies and FCC Chair Brendan Carr questions the talk‑show “equal‑time” exemption [11].

Feb 23, 2026 – Crockett rejects the traditional campaign playbook, telling faith leaders she “doesn’t really subscribe to doing everything in a traditional way” and later declares she’s ready to “kick some a**” as she trails Talarico’s $20 million war chest, though a University‑of‑Houston poll shows her eight points ahead [1].

Mar 3, 2026 – Texas Democratic primary votes, with the winner set to face the Republican nominee (Cornyn, Paxton or Hunt) in the November 3 general election; if no candidate reaches 50 %, a May runoff is scheduled [4].

May 2026 (potential) – A runoff election may occur if the March 3 primary produces no majority winner, determining the Democratic challenger for the Senate seat [4].

Nov 3, 2026 – General election decides the Texas U.S. Senate seat, a pivotal contest for Democrats seeking to flip a GOP‑held seat and potentially secure a Senate majority [4].

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