GEORGETOWN — Considering state Rep. James Talarico and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett both hold reputations of fiery personalities, Saturday’s debate between the two Democratic U.S. Senate candidates was largely mild mannered.
The hour-long debate at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center Jan. 24 showed Talarico and Crockett, looking to challenge Sen. John Cornyn in the Nov. 3 general election, shared much of the same priorities. Questions posed from KXAN-TV anchor Daniel Marin and Dallas Morning News political writer Gromer Jeffers covered the economy, immigration enforcement, data centers and more.
A civil rights attorney and former public defender, Crockett is well known for her bold exchanges, a fact she pointed out during the discussion. Marin called her authenticity her “political superpower,” noting her virality on social media for her brash comments, including calling Gov. Greg Abbott “Hot Wheels.”
Talarico, a former teacher and seminary student recognized for his passionate rhetoric, said voters should judge candidates by their actions rather than their words.
The debate took place on day two of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations 2026 Committee on Political Education Convention.
The full debate is available at kxan.com/news/texas-politics/.
