At a Glance
- U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico will debate on Jan. 24 in Georgetown
- The Texas AFL-CIO is hosting the event and plans to endorse afterward
- The winner of the March Democratic primary faces Sen. John Cornyn on Nov. 3
- Why it matters: Labor’s backing could sway a tight primary, shaping who challenges Texas’ senior senator
Two Democratic hopefuls are about to share the same stage for the first-and possibly only-time before primary voters start casting ballots.
The Debate Details
The hour-long forum will be held at the Georgetown Community Center, starting at 7 p.m. Central. Admission is free, but seating is first-come, first-served, and union members are expected to pack the room.
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy confirmed:
> “Our executive board will meet immediately after the debate to finalize an endorsement. We want our members to see both candidates defend their records and outline their plans for working families.”
Primary Calendar
Mark your calendar for these key dates:
- Early voting: Feb. 17-27
- Primary election: March 3
- Runoff (if needed): May 26
- General election: Nov. 3
| Candidate | Current Office | First Elected | Union Lifetime Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasmine Crockett | U.S. House, TX-30 | 2022 | 96% |
| James Talarico | Texas House, HD-50 | 2018 | 94% |
Both lawmakers carry near-perfect labor voting records, so the night could hinge on who presents the clearest path to defeating Cornyn in a state that hasn’t sent a Democrat to the Senate since 1988.
Key Takeaways
- Labor’s endorsement will arrive just as early-vote mail ballots hit mailboxes
- The debate is the only joint appearance currently on either campaign’s schedule
- With no other major Democrats in the race, the winner faces Cornyn’s $19 million war chest
Expect sharp but civil exchanges as each contender tries to prove they can energize the Democratic base-and chip away at Cornyn’s suburban support-when Texans vote this fall.
