Two Democrats, Two Strategies: Texas Senate Primary Highlights Divide Over Focusing On Trump

Two Democrats competing in the Texas Senate primary are taking sharply different approaches to former President Donald Trump as they try to help their party break a three-decade losing streak in the state. One candidate has made direct confrontations with Trump a centerpiece of her message; the other is emphasizing pocketbook issues and a more measured tone.

Crockett Makes Trump Central

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett launched her campaign with a video that layered past audio of Trump’s insults about her while she remained silent, then smiled at the end. On the trail she addressed the former president directly: “Trump, I know you’re watching, so let me tell you directly. You’re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. You better get to work because I’m coming for you.”

Trump called her entry “a gift to Republicans” and said he could not believe she was a politician.

Democrats have long used opposition to Trump to attract attention and fundraising. High-profile Democrats who position themselves against the former president often see increased national visibility and donor interest. As Democratic pollster John Anzalone observed, anti-Trump messaging can be a strong fundraising magnet even when it isn’t a guaranteed path to victory.

FILE - Texas Rep. James Talarico speaks at a rally, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at Wrigley Square in Millennium Park in Chicago. (AP Photo/Talia Sprague, file)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Talarico Focuses On Bread-and-Butter Issues

State Rep. James Talarico, a former teacher turned pastor and state legislator, has adopted a less combative tone. He has highlighted economic concerns and class divisions, telling voters in his launch video: “The biggest divide in our country is not left versus right. It’s top versus bottom.”

That approach mirrors strategies used by some successful Democratic statewide campaigns that prioritized affordability and everyday issues over personality-focused attacks. Strategists say connecting national grievances to voters’ everyday costs—housing, groceries, and energy—can build a more durable coalition than relying on opposition to a single political figure.

Republicans Plan To Put Trump On The Ballot

Republicans have been explicit about using Trump to boost turnout in lower-turnout midterm elections. Susie Wiles, a senior Republican operative, said the party will effectively “put him on the ballot” by featuring his rallies and endorsements. Veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse called Trump “the greatest vote energizer in the history of politics,” while noting his appeal can also galvanize opponents.

President Donald Trump gestures after speaking at Mount Airy Casino Resort, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Mount Pocono, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Campaign strategists warn that Trump’s presence helps both sides: he can drive donations and turnout among Republicans but also motivates Democratic voters and candidates to sharpen their campaigns.

What This Means

The Texas primary is a microcosm of a broader Democratic debate: should candidates center their campaigns on confronting Trump to raise money and national attention, or focus on local, economic issues that may better persuade swing and independent voters? Many strategists argue both elements can be important—anti-Trump messages energize donors and the base, while durable policy pitches about affordability may be more effective across diverse electorates over time.

Reporting contributions were cited from national and state political operatives and recent campaign examples to illustrate the strategic trade-offs Democrats face in the midterms.