Early voting for the Texas primary elections began today, with voters having the opportunity to cast ballots through February 28. The primary election will determine who will represent the Democratic Party in the November general election for the U.S. Senate, where the eventual nominee will face one of three Republican candidates, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Election Day is set for March 3, 2026.

In the Democratic primary, U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is running against State Representative James Talarico. The race has drawn attention not only for its political stakes but also for issues affecting the disability community.

Disability Community for Democracy, Inc., a nonprofit organization that typically refrains from endorsing candidates during the primary season, announced it is making an exception this year. The organization cited Congresswoman Crockett’s targeted policies aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities as a key factor in its decision.

The endorsement comes amid heightened attention to disability rights in Texas. Attorney General Paxton, one of the Republican Senate candidates, has joined a lawsuit with eight other state attorneys general challenging federal regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, focusing on the integration mandate.

According to Disability Community for Democracy, Congresswoman Crockett is the only candidate running for the Senate who has clearly articulated policies addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. She is also the sole candidate to publicly oppose the spread of misinformation regarding autism by controversial vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Congresswoman Crockett has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, and for these reasons, we are proud to endorse her,” the organization said in a statement.

The primary election outcome will determine whether Crockett or Talarico will advance to face a Republican candidate in the November general election for the U.S. Senate.

Read full statement here.