Colin Allred sharply criticized Texas state Rep. James Talarico after reports that Talarico called Allred a “mediocre Black man” while praising Rep. Jasmine Crockett. In a social media video, Allred made three main points: don’t praise Black women by denigrating Black men, accusations can reveal the accuser’s insecurities, and young Black leaders should remain confident. He concluded by endorsing Crockett in the Democratic primary and warning Talarico to stop invoking his name.
Colin Allred Slams James Talarico Over ‘Mediocre Black Man’ Remark, Backs Jasmine Crockett
Former U.S. Representative Colin Allred (D-TX) publicly rebuked Texas state Rep. James Talarico on Monday after reports that Talarico described Allred as a “mediocre Black man” while praising another candidate.
Allred, a former NFL player who lost the 2024 U.S. Senate race to Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), posted a pointed video response on social media. In the clip he framed his remarks as three clear messages aimed at Talarico and a broader audience.
Allred’s Response
Opening in a conversational tone, Allred said he had heard that Talarico told a Black woman he had signed up to run against “a mediocre Black man” — a reference Allred took as being about himself — rather than a “formidable, intelligent Black woman,” meaning Representative Jasmine Crockett. Talarico is competing with Crockett in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate; Allred said he opted not to enter that primary.
Three Key Points
1. Don’t Praise One Group By Demeaning Another. Allred urged that praise for Black women should not be used to diminish Black men. “If you want to compliment Black women, just do it. Don’t do it while also tearing down a Black man,” he said, warning that that tactic harms the community and is transparent.
2. Accusations Often Reveal the Accuser. Allred suggested that attacks can reflect more on the attacker than the target. He argued that calling someone “mediocre” may betray the speaker’s own insecurities and questioned the originality of Talarico’s positioning on religion, noting that Senator Raphael Warnock already occupies a prominent place speaking to faith within the party.
3. A Message To Young Black Leaders. Allred addressed young Black men who aspire to leadership, encouraging them not to overcompensate in response to critics. “You can walk out there with your shoulders back and your head held up high,” he said, adding that opponents who reveal their biases make it easier to identify them and move forward.
“So with that being said, go vote for Jasmine Crockett. This man should not be our nominee for the United States Senate… Don’t come for me unless I send for you, okay, James? And keep my name out of your mouth while you’re at it.”
Context
Talarico, a member of the Texas House of Representatives, is running in the Democratic primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Allred — who remains a high-profile voice in Texas Democratic politics after his Senate run — used his platform to both defend himself and to weigh in on the primary contest, ultimately urging voters to back Crockett.
The exchange underscores tensions within the Democratic primary over strategy, messaging and representation. Allred’s remarks have drawn attention for how they address race, intra-party criticism, and the dynamics of praising candidates in a primary contest.
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