Crockett doubts Talarico can beat Paxton in Senate race

Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas cast significant doubt on her own party's chances in the state's high-profile U.S. Senate race, publicly questioning whether Democratic nominee James Talarico can defeat Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton this November. Her comments, made to a reporter on August 5 in St. Louis, Missouri, highlight internal Democratic tensions and skepticism about the party's long-sought goal of turning Texas blue.

When asked if Talarico could win the Senate seat, Crockett replied, "I don't know." She expressed deep distrust of recent public polling showing a close race, noting that surveys have historically overstated Democratic prospects in Texas. Instead, Crockett said she focuses on campaign spending as a more reliable indicator. "I watch money," she said. "When I look at the money, if Republicans start spending money in Texas, then I'll be convinced."

She pointed out that neither the National Republican Senatorial Committee nor the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is currently making major investments in the Texas race, suggesting both parties' internal data shows a "status quo" situation. "Right now, neither one are investing, which tells...