Black voters largely rejected James Talarico in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, but recent interviews suggest hard feelings may be fading. Two months ago, community organizer Durrell Douglas noted little excitement for Talarico among Black residents around Houston. Many had backed Jasmine Crockett, a Black congresswoman and Republican critic, who lost the primary.

However, as summer turned to fall, support for Talarico appeared to grow. Most voters expressed stronger opposition to his Republican opponent, Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general. Talarico has made efforts to engage Black communities, speaking at churches and appearing on podcasts like the Breakfast Club.

Charlamagne Tha God questioned Talarico about low Black voter support, to which he responded that polls show the opposite but acknowledged more work is needed. Recent public polls show Talarico with a commanding lead over Paxton among Black voters, surpassing past Democrats like Beto O’Rourke and Colin Allred. However, political consultants warn that winning statewide requires not just support but high turnout.

Jolanda Jones, a Black state representative, noted that many low-propensity Black voters feel neither party addresses their needs. Texas has over 2.7 million Black voters, the most of any state, but Democrats lack a Black candidate in any statewide race this year. Cliff Walker, a consultant for Talarico, said the party must rebuild trust, a challenge worsened by the divisive primary.