The messy Senate primary in Texas has given Democrats hope of finally making inroads in the red state, but a potential pileup of candidates could spoil their chances of flipping the Lone Star State. Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has endured multiple scandals, is leading in the polls against longtime incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn. A Paxton victory could divide Republicans and potentially even sway some to support a Democrat. The Texas Democratic party sees a renewed interest in the race, but there is division on the type of candidate to run.
Some argue for a progressive candidate, while others believe a more centrist candidate could gain traction. Some are unsure if Democrats can pull off a win at all. Rep. Marc Veasey emphasized the need for a candidate who would “sound like a Texas Democrat” and could buck national trends. The opportunity to flip Texas is seen as a great one by Democrats, but there is a cautious optimism as they try to navigate the crowded field of potential candidates.
Flipping Texas has been a longtime Democratic dream, but core constituencies have shifted to the right in recent years. The state’s expensive media markets require strong fundraising abilities, leaving the party with a challenge in finding a viable candidate with a proven track record of winning statewide. While Democrats acknowledge the difficulty of unseating Cornyn, many see Paxton as a polarizing figure who could potentially be defeated.
Former Reps. Colin Allred and Beto O’Rourke have expressed interest in running again, but there is skepticism among Texas Democrats due to their past unsuccessful bids. Some believe it is time to try something new, with state Rep. James Talarico emerging as a potential candidate. Talarico, a Democratic seminarian who helped prosecute Paxton during his impeachment, is generating interest with his fresh perspective and storytelling skills.
State Sen. Nathan Johnson, a Dallas lawyer, is also considering a run but is eyeing a potential bid for attorney general as well. The upcoming Senate race in Texas has Democrats hopeful but cautious, as they navigate the crowded field of candidates and aim to find a strong contender who can make a compelling case to Texas voters.
Some party insiders are expressing concerns about the upcoming state lawmaker race, fearing that the current candidate may not have the necessary experience to compete in the second-largest state. They believe that finding a candidate with experience running statewide or someone who represents Texas in Congress would be more suitable due to the significant amount of resources required for such a campaign.
There has been speculation about Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro potentially entering the race, with sources close to him indicating that he is actively considering it. However, Rep. Marc Veasey has ruled out a run. Despite the optimism from Democrats nationwide about the potential backlash against President Trump’s unpopular agenda in the midterms, winning Texas now seems like a more challenging task.
The Democratic Party is facing coalition issues, particularly in South Texas where Latino-heavy districts have shifted towards Trump. Democrats like Gonzalez have emphasized the importance of reversing their fortunes with Latino voters to secure a victory in Texas. Democratic strategist Tory Gavito highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements in key cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and South Texas.
Progressive Democrats are advocating for a candidate who can appeal to working-class voters with a populist economic message. They believe that a candidate who runs to the left of the current frontrunner, Allred, could attract disaffected voters and energize the base. However, some Texas Democrats prefer a more moderate approach, fearing that moving too far to the left could jeopardize their chances in a socially conservative state.
Representative Greg Casar emphasized the importance of authenticity and connecting with a diverse set of working-class voters in Texas. He believes that a candidate who can energize the base while appealing to disaffected voters is crucial for success in the upcoming race. Despite Allred being the preferred candidate of Washington, some Texas Democrats are wary of out-of-state consultants and want to maintain a grassroots approach.
Nancy Thompson, a Democratic activist, expressed the sentiment that Texans do not want to be dictated to by D.C. insiders. She emphasized the need for candidates who can resonate with everyday Texans and avoid sounding too disconnected from the state’s population. Representative Veasey echoed this sentiment, warning that aligning too closely with the national party could be detrimental in a state like Texas.
Overall, the Democratic Party in Texas faces challenges in finding the right candidate for the upcoming race. Balancing progressive ideals with the need to appeal to a diverse set of voters will be key to securing a victory in what remains a politically complex state.
