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Texas Senate candidate James Talarico's campaign roiled as he denies referring to ex-rival as 'mediocre Black man'

Talarico denied Thompson’s account of a private conversation while acknowledging that he criticized Allred’s campaigning.

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico's campaign roiled as he denies referring to ex-rival as 'mediocre Black man'
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This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026

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CNN
Feb 2, 2026
tl;dr

A TikTok creator accused Texas Senate candidate James Talarico of describing former rival Colin Allred as a “mediocre Black man”; Talarico denied her wording but said he criticized Allred’s campaign. Allred responded with a video criticizing Talarico and endorsed Jasmine Crockett in the Senate primary.

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Texas Senate candidate accused of making a racially charged remark about Colin Allred

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Representative and Texas Senate candidate whose entry prompted Allred to leave the Senate race

Julie Johnson
D · TX-32

Representative and Allred’s opponent in a House primary

Kamala Harris
Former U.S. Senator (D-CA)

Former vice president referenced in comparison with Allred’s Texas election results

Colin Z. Allred
Former U.S. Representative (D-TX)

Former representative and Texas House candidate who criticized Talarico and endorsed Crockett

Part of a bigger story

22 OUTLETS
Colin Allred Endorses Jasmine Crockett After Talarico Remark Dispute

Colin Allred accused James Talarico of making a racially charged remark about him, criticized him and endorsed Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Democratic Senate primary. Talarico disputed the account, saying he criticized Allred’s campaign method. Left-leaning outlets emphasize Talarico’s explanation and the racial stakes, including Crockett’s belief in the allegation. Center outlets generally present the allegation, Talarico’s denial and Allred’s endorsement, with some widening the focus to influencer coverage and primary dynamics. Right-leaning outlets frame the dispute chiefly as Democratic infighting and backlash against Talarico, though some also question the allegation’s evidentiary basis.

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