Radio Atlantic – “What Can the Texas Primary Tell Us About Democrats?”
Date: February 28, 2026
Host: Adam Harris (sitting in for Hanna Rosin)
Guest: Elaine Godfrey (Atlantic staff writer and Texas race reporter)

Episode Overview

This episode of Radio Atlantic dives into the high-stakes 2026 Texas Senate Democratic primary, examining why it has captured national attention and what it reveals about broader shifts within the Democratic Party. Adam Harris and Elaine Godfrey discuss the two headline-grabbing candidates, Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico, differences in their campaigning styles, and how the electoral dynamics in Texas reflect larger tensions and desires within the party. The episode also spotlights the Republican primary and what it could mean for Democrats’ long-shot hopes in Texas.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why the Texas Primary is Getting National Attention

(00:41 - 03:36)

• Both Democratic candidates, Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico, are resonating with voters but in distinctly different ways.
  • Crockett: Outspoken, energetic, unafraid to take on Trump aggressively in public and on cable news. A "capital F Fighter." (00:50)
  • Talarico: More subdued, preacher-in-training, emphasizes unity and reaching across divides but still channels voter anger in his own style.
• Their approaches typify the current split in Democratic strategy: confrontational vs. conciliatory.
• Quote:

  “You have Jasmine Crockett…much sharper in her criticism of Trump, much more willing to throw insults, much more bombastic... You also have James Talarico... a little quieter. His approach is a lot more peace and love... They’re both fighting in different ways.” – Elaine Godfrey (02:04)

2. Reporter Ejection Incident

(03:43 - 06:25)

• Elaine Godfrey recounts being ejected from a Jasmine Crockett campaign event in Lubbock, TX.
  • After interviewing attendees, Godfrey was told to leave by Crockett’s staff, described as “a top notch hater and she will spin.”
  • Godfrey recorded the interaction; the campaign later denied the event occurred, with Crockett suggesting Godfrey had been sued for defamation (which is untrue).
• Illustrates rising hostility or wariness towards the press—even from Democratic campaigns.
• Quote/Interaction:

  “[Staffer reads from phone]: ‘Elaine from the Atlantic, a white girl in a baseball cap with a notepad. She’s a top notch hater and she will spin. She needs to leave.’ …Security guards surrounded me and escorted me out of the building.” – Elaine Godfrey (04:27)

3. Broader Trend: Democrats Embracing Confrontation?

(08:38 - 10:04)

• Crockett’s “fighter” persona, once more common among Republicans, is gaining traction with Democratic base—reflecting a shift from “when they go low, we go high” to a willingness to “play dirty” if it means winning.
• There is a growing tolerance for bombast, insults, and even questionable campaign practices among some on the left, paralleling Trump-era Republican tactics.
• Quote:

  “If we want to win, we might have to play dirty. So I do think the midterms are probably going to have a lot more of that than we’ve seen before.” – Elaine Godfrey (09:53)

4. Voters' Perspectives: Style Over Substance

(10:04 - 11:46)

• On the ground, both candidates have crossover appeal among Democratic voters. The choice isn’t so much about policy as it is style.
• Crockett backers want a candidate to “prosecute” Republicans, while Talarico supporters prize electability—his perceived ability to win over moderates and Republicans.
  • Democratic voters wrestling with the tension between nominating a fighter versus someone with broader appeal.
• Quote:

  “People who liked Crockett liked that she was gonna go out there and go after Trump... People who liked Talarico, they were kind of playing a little bit of 3D chess... thinking about electability. Democrats in Texas are really balancing this urge for a fighter with a desire to win.” – Elaine Godfrey (11:18)

5. The Republican Primary – A Potential Opportunity

(11:46 - 13:42)

• The GOP primary is just as tumultuous, with incumbent Senator John Cornyn challenged by Ken Paxton (Texas Attorney General, recent impeachment acquittal and scandals) and Wesley Hunt.
• Paxton’s scandal-plagued candidacy excites Democrats, as his weaknesses could open the door to a historic Democratic victory.
  • Talarico seen as the stronger general-election opponent due to higher favorability.
• This sets up a potential “Doug Jones vs. Roy Moore” scenario, suggesting a scandal-ridden Republican could make even deeply red Texas competitive for Democrats.
• Quote:

  “Democrats are really excited [about Paxton as the nominee]. Will make him so weak that a Democrat could finally win in Texas.” – Elaine Godfrey (12:37)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the styles of the Democratic candidates:

  “It’s such a perfect encapsulation of this moment. So it’s very exciting to watch.” – Elaine Godfrey (03:29)

• On being removed from the Crockett event:

  “I don’t think they were supposed to have read that message to me, but they did.” – Elaine Godfrey (05:11)

• On the shift in Democratic Party culture:

  “I think there is just a real increase in tolerance on the left... 'Look at the guy in the White House; he does that all the time. Why can't we? Why shouldn't we?'” – Elaine Godfrey (09:38)

• On the potential for a Texas Democratic win:

  “...what happens on the Republican side, that's really going to determine what the chances are for a Democrat to win statewide in Texas for the first time in like 30 years.” – Elaine Godfrey (13:29)

Important Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 00:41 - Introduction to Texas Democratic primary dynamics
• 02:00 - Contrasting Crockett’s and Talarico’s approaches
• 03:43 - Godfrey’s account of being ejected from the Crockett event
• 05:46 - Campaign denial and follow-up
• 06:46 - Broader context of press relations at rallies
• 08:38 - Are Democrats embracing a more confrontational style?
• 10:04 - Voters discuss candidate styles and motivations
• 11:46 - Republican primary and opportunities for Democrats
• 13:37 - Comparison to Doug Jones/Roy Moore special election

Tone & Closing Thoughts

The episode mixes sharp political analysis with personal, on-the-ground narrative, keeping a focus on the real-world implications and evolving political culture. The hosts highlight not just the candidates or the horserace, but also what the moment says about the Democratic Party’s soul—a battle between fierce confrontation and pragmatic coalition-building. The unpredictable Republican primary adds an extra layer of suspense, potentially setting up a rare opening for Democrats in Texas.