The Senate race between Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico has taken an ugly turn as Talarico, who is white, has been accused of making a racially charged comment against a different Black legislator, former Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas. Now, all three politicians have responded to the controversy that has shaken up a high-profile Senate race.
Allred’s response to Talarico’s alleged ‘mediocre’ remark
The dispute began when Morgan Thompson, a Black political influencer, posted a video on social media claiming that Talarico had made a “racially charged” comment about Allred, who had run against Talarico for the Senate seat but dropped out as Crockett entered the race. According to Thompson, she discussed the race with Talarico, whom she supported at the time, in an off-the-record conversation after a campaign event on Jan. 12. Thompson alleges that during the conversation, Talarico commented that he had “signed up to run against a mediocre Black man, not a formidable and intelligent Black woman,” referring to Allred and Crockett. Although Thompson didn’t record her conversation with Talarico, she told Politico that she nonetheless “felt like it was important enough to bring forward, given the nature of everything.”
Allred responded to the alleged comment in a video posted to social media on Monday.
“If you want to compliment Black women, just do it, just do it. Don’t do it while also tearing down a Black man,” Allred said, adding, “We know what you’re doing.” Allred also went after Talarico’s quality as a candidate, accusing that “Maybe you used the word ‘mediocre’ because there was something creeping into your mind about yourself.” Allred questioned aspects of Talarico’s appeal, such as the narrative that he was “saving religion for the Democratic Party or for the left,” noting that Democrats had already elected candidates like Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga. “You’re not saying anything unique; you’re just saying it looking like you do,” Allred stated. While noting that he previously “wasn’t going to get involved in this race,” Allred ended his video by urging listeners, “Go vote for Jasmine Crockett,” and told Talarico to “keep my name out of your mouth.”
Crockett and Talarico address the remark controversy as they compete for the Democratic nomination
Crockett responded to the dispute, saying in a statement that it was “unfortunate that at the start of Black History Month, this is what we’re facing.” Crockett said that Allred “drew a line in the sand” with his video response, adding that he “decided to stand for all people who have been targeted and talked about in a demeaning way as our country continues to be divided,” while thanking him for his endorsement.
Talarico’s campaign has also responded to the controversy. A spokesperson for Talarico confirmed the meeting with Thompson happened, but said that Talarico has no recollection of making the offensive comment, while also stating that an aide who was also present didn’t remember him saying it either.
Talarico later responded with a statement disputing the comment and denying that he discussed Allred’s race or meant to disrespect him.
“This is a mischaracterization of a private conversation,” Talarico said, claiming, “In my praise of Congresswoman Crockett, I described Congressman Allred’s method of campaigining as mediocre — but his life and service are not.” Talarico added, “I would never attack him on the basis of race.” Talarico’s statement said, “As a Black man in America, Congressman Allred has had to work twice as hard to get where he is,” and acknowledged that Talarico’s “critique of the Congressman’s campaign could be interpreted given this country’s painful legacy of racism.”
The dispute over Talarico’s remarks about Allred is the latest instance of the Texas Senate race being marred by comments that Crockett’s supporters have complained are out of bounds and biased. The disagreement over Talarico’s alleged remark will likely make the competition between his backers and Crockett’s supporters even more contentious heading into March’s Democratic primary.