Early voting has begun in Texas for the March 3 primary election, with voters already casting ballots to choose which Democrat will appear on the November ballot against the Republican nominee. Texas voters can cast early ballots through February 27, with Election Day set for March 3. 

In one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries in the state, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico are competing for their party’s nomination in a Senate race that could draw national attention.

Two Lawmakers, Different Platforms

Crockett, who represents parts of North Texas in Congress, has built a national profile during her time in Washington. A former civil rights and criminal defense attorney, she has drawn attention for her participation in congressional hearings and her advocacy on voting rights, criminal justice reform and reproductive health care. Crockett has argued that Texas Democrats need a candidate willing to challenge Republican leadership while mobilizing voters who often feel disengaged from state politics.

In recent weeks, Crockett has balanced her congressional responsibilities with campaign appearances across Texas. That work has included a visit to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley to observe conditions at the immigration facility, participating in proceedings related to depositions tied to the Epstein files, and traveling back to Houston and other cities for campaign events and voter outreach.

Her campaign also highlighted federal funding she secured for her district. According to her office, she helped obtain more than $13 million in Fiscal Year 2026 support for North Texas projects that will improve infrastructure, public safety, transit modernization and neighborhood enhancements. Her team said the funding builds on more than $10 million in projects delivered in 2024, including support for UNT Dallas College of Law and Fair Park.

Talarico, an Austin-area state lawmaker and former public school teacher, has centered his campaign on education funding, public school investment and coalition building. On Thursday, his campaign released a new Spanish-language advertisement titled Títere de Nadie (Nobody’s Puppet), featuring Texas-based Latino influencer Carlos Eduardo Espina, who has more than 20 million followers across TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

“Nearly 8 million Texans speak Spanish, and partnering with Latino community leaders like Carlos is part of our campaign’s commitment to meet voters where they are and take power back for working people,” Talarico said in a statement announcing the ad, which will air statewide on television, streaming and digital platforms beginning during the Premio Lo Nuestro broadcast on Univision.

The ad highlights Talarico’s background as a teacher and his record advocating for working Texans.

Additional Campaign Developments

The race has drawn outside attention as early voting gets underway. A video shared by Crockett’s campaign this week featured singer Kelly Rowland urging Texans to vote ahead of the Democratic primary. 

Meanwhile, a planned interview with Talarico on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” drew national media attention. After clips were released online, the interview quickly amassed millions of views and boosted fundraising for Talarico’s campaign

A Broader Party Debate

The primary reflects a larger strategic debate within Texas Democratic circles. Party leaders and voters are weighing whether to prioritize a more direct and high-profile approach or to focus on a Texas-specific strategy aimed at persuasion in suburban and rural communities.

Both candidates have emphasized expanding access to health care, protecting reproductive rights and addressing economic pressures on working families, yet they differ in tone and tactical approach as they seek to distinguish themselves with voters amid early voting.

Voter Engagement and What Comes Next

As early voting continues, both campaigns are intensifying grassroots outreach, digital organizing and field operations. The outcome will determine which candidate represents Texas Democrats on the November ballot. If no candidate wins a majority of the vote in the primary, a runoff election may follow.

The primary’s result could also influence broader Democratic strategy in Texas, a state Republicans have dominated statewide for generations. Observers say the party’s nominee will need to build a coalition that can compete across diverse regions and voter groups in the general election.