U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks has endorsed U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the closely watched Democratic primary for the Texas U.S. Senate race, marking the first endorsement of Crockett from a sitting senator.
The Maryland Democrat announced her support Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, praising Crockett’s leadership style and positioning her as a candidate capable of balancing strong advocacy with bipartisan cooperation.
“In the Senate, we need leaders who are both willing to take on tough fights and to work across the aisle to get things done on behalf of their constituents,” Alsobrooks said in a statement. “Now more than ever, we need fighters whose north star is and always will be the people they serve.”
Alsobrooks also endorsed Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in her Senate bid.
Competitive Democratic Primary
Crockett faces stiff competition from Texas state Rep. James Talarico, making the Democratic primary one of the most closely watched contests in the state ahead of the general election.
Polling in recent months has shown a tight race:
- A January survey from the University of Houston found Crockett leading with 47% support among likely Democratic voters, compared to Talarico’s 39%.
- A separate Emerson College poll released last month showed Talarico ahead with 47%, while Crockett held 38%.
Talarico’s campaign also reported a fundraising surge, announcing it raised $2.5 million within 24 hours after his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The segment ultimately did not air after network lawyers warned it could violate Federal Communications Commission equal-time rules.
Fundraising and Election Timeline
Crockett’s campaign entered 2026 with a strong financial footing, reporting more than $5.6 million cash on hand at the end of 2025, according to federal filings.
Early voting in the Democratic primary began this week and runs through Feb. 27, with Election Day scheduled for March 3.
The eventual Democratic nominee will face a Republican challenger in the general election, potentially including incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, or Rep. Wesley Hunt, all of whom are competing for the GOP nomination.
Significance of the Endorsement
Political analysts say Alsobrooks’ backing could boost Crockett’s national profile and reinforce her image as a rising figure within the Democratic Party.
As the first sitting senator to endorse her, Alsobrooks’ support signals growing establishment attention on a race that could shape the balance of power in the Senate.
