TX Elections: Talarico Wins Dem Nom, GOP's Cornyn and Paxton Head to Runoff

Primary elections were held in Texas yesterday, with some interesting results.

Democratic Primary: Texas State Representative James Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian and former public school teacher, defeated Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a progressive "firebrand" and critic of President Donald Trump, in the Texas Senate Democratic primary. The vote was 53.2% to 45.5% with 60% of the votes reported. Talarico had reportedly raised at least $4.8 million to Crockett's $3.5 million. At age 36, Talarico would become the first Democrat since 1994 to win a Senate election in Texas if he defeats his Republican opponent in November.

Republican Primary: In the tight Texas Senate Republican primary, Senator John Cornyn received 42% of the vote, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton received 41% of the vote. Cornyn has wrestled to keep the support of Republican primary voters against Paxton, a self-branded "MAGA warrior" who many base voters support. However, Cornyn has the backing of Republican leadership and is considered a strong general-election candidate. Cornyn and Paxton will face off in a runoff on May 26th. Trump, who has not endorsed anyone yet, might face pressure to do so.

For Context: Both political parties have reportedly spent nearly $131 million, making it the most expensive Senate primary on record.

Other Primaries: In Arkansas, Republican Senator Tom Cotton was projected to win against two primary challengers. In North Carolina, from Governor Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley were projected to win their Senate primaries. They will face off to fill the seat of retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.

How the Media Covered It: Fox News (Right bias) reported that Crockett is claiming that Republicans "rigged the election" after the Texas Supreme Court ruled that polling places in Dallas and Williamson counties could not remain open longer. It also reported confusion on the part of some voters when locations where voters could cast ballots were separated in some counties for Republican and Democratic primaries. The Associated Press (Left) reported that Crockett plans to sue over voting issues in Dallas, claiming that "people have been disenfranchised."

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