Democratic hopefuls vie for Cornyn’s seat in first debate of the year
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 hourlong 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 KXANTV anchor and Dallas Morning News political writer Gromer Jeffers covered the economy, immigration enforcement, data centers and more.
“I hate politics,” Crockett said in her opening statement, adding she was running for Cornyn’s seat to fight the system.
The 73-year-old incumbent is seeking a fifth term. A democrat has not won the seat in more than 30 years.
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.”
Asked why that approach is effective, Crockett said voters are looking for candidates who are unafraid.
“We are not looking at politics as usual,” Crockett said. “We’re in the fierce urgency of now.”
Talarico, a former teacher and seminary student recognized for his passionate rhetoric, said voters should judge candidates by their actions rather than their words.
“You should look at what a politician has done,” Talarico said. “I have fought tooth and nail for my constituents.”
Both candidates took similar stances on several topics, though neither gave a definitive answer when asked if they would support dismantling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“We absolutely have to clean house, whatever that looks like,” Crockett said.
Talarico noted funding has been diverted from health care to immigration enforcement and should be redirected.
“We take money back (from ICE) and put it where it belongs,” he said.
Data centers emerged as another hot topic. Texas is quickly becoming a hub for the industry, with facilities like Compal and Blueprint Data Centers setting up shop in Taylor.
The candidates were asked how to balance the benefits of artificial intelligence with concerns over water use and rising utility costs.
Crockett said water pollution is of more concern than its consumption.
“We have to work at every single level of government on our state, city and county levels to put some zoning in place,” she said. “We have to make sure that we protect the people that live in these communities.”
Talarico answered he has heard of too many data centers being built without the consent of the local community.
“I will fight to make sure that these AI companies pay for their own energy and (the bill) doesn’t get passed onto the consumers,” he said. “I’ll make sure that we work on sustainable water infrastructure … We should tax these companies and make them pay for infrastructure.” 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/.
