Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run: Key Questions as Filing Period Opens
                                The filing period for candidates in the March primaries for the 2026 midterm elections begins soon. Texans have until December 8 to submit their candidacies. This period is crucial as winners will advance to the general elections in November, where voters will select nominees for various local, state, and federal offices.
Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run: Key Questions as Filing Period Opens
There is growing speculation surrounding U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic representative from Dallas, as she considers a bid for the Senate seat currently occupied by Republican Senator John Cornyn. With her exploration of a campaign, many are eager to understand her potential impact on the race.
Crockett’s Position and Strategy
Crockett has indicated she will not enter a race she believes is unwinnable. She is analyzing polling data to assess her chances of success. Democrats have not won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, making this an especially challenging environment.
- Political dynamics changed when Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his candidacy against Cornyn.
 - Democrats hope Paxton’s challenging personal issues could weaken his position.
 - Crockett believes she must assess whether Paxton will secure the GOP nomination before making a move.
 
Democratic Primary Landscape
If Crockett enters the race, she would significantly alter the current Democratic primary, where former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and state Rep. James Talarico are the main contenders. Recent polling suggests that Crockett leads with 31% support among Democratic voters, outpacing Talarico and Allred, who have 25% and 13% respectively.
Campaign Financing and Popularity
Crockett’s fundraising efforts have been robust, with over $4.6 million in her congressional campaign account. Her high profile and potential Senate candidacy seem to boost her popularity among voters. However, running for the Senate would be a considerable risk, especially given Texas’s heavily Republican-leaning voter base.
Impending Congressional Redistricting
The recent redrawing of congressional districts in Texas has introduced uncertainty for several Democratic representatives, including Crockett. As she navigates potential Senate aspirations, she must also consider her options regarding her current position in Congress.
- U.S. Reps. Marc Veasey and Julie Johnson are similarly assessing their candidacy for new districts.
 - The legality of the new congressional map is under review, which could impact their decision-making.
 
Dallas Mayor’s Position
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson has publicly stated he will not pursue higher office in 2026, focusing instead on his responsibilities as mayor. His previous switch from Democrat to Republican has stirred interest, but he maintains that he will not run for congressional or attorney general positions.
The political landscape in Texas is shifting, with the upcoming primaries set to reveal much about the candidates’ strategies and the probable outcomes for the Democratic Party’s future in statewide races.