Former Vice President Kamala Harris moved swiftly to unify Democrats in Texas on Wednesday, announcing her support for state Rep. James Talarico in the race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn.
Harris had endorsed Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary, but after Crockett conceded early Wednesday, Harris offered her “full support” to Talarico for the general election.
“I congratulate James Talarico for his win, and the inspiring campaign he continues to build,” Harris said in a statement. “I appreciate that he is making the case for the kind of civic renewal our country needs. I offer him my full support in the months ahead.”
Harris also praised Crockett, who co-chaired her 2024 presidential campaign, saying the Texas Democrat “waged this campaign with the trademark fierceness that has defined her career so far” and predicting “she has a bright future.”
Talarico was projected the winner of the Democratic primary early Wednesday morning by Decision Desk HQ, securing the nomination outright and avoiding a runoff. Crockett confirmed she had called Talarico to concede and congratulate him.
“Texas is primed to turn blue and we must remain united because this is bigger than any one person,” Crockett wrote. “This is about the future of all 30 million Texans and getting America back on track.” She added that Democrats must rally behind their nominees and pledged to work to elect Democrats “up and down the ballot.”
Harris’s involvement marked a notable political gamble. Since her 2024 defeat, she has largely avoided wading into competitive primaries. She did campaign last year for Aftyn Behn in a Tennessee House special election, though Behn ultimately lost to Matt Van Epps.
Republicans had attempted to boost Crockett in the primary, viewing her as more vulnerable in a general election. Instead, Talarico’s decisive win now sets up a high-stakes contest in November, while Texas Republicans prepare for a contentious 12-week runoff between Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
