The Texas primaries are wrapping up, and there have been some very surprising races across the board. A few clear losers have emerged from the results, and we’ve compiled a list of candidates and movements who lost.
Jasmine Crockett and identity politics
Jasmine Crockett lost the contentious primary to James Talarico, the moderate Democrat who currently serves in the Texas House of Representatives. Crockett ran a tired campaign that was reminiscent of one from a decade ago. Instead of centering around issues facing the average Texan, she resorted to identity politics and smear tactics. She accused Talarico of racist comments (which were unfounded and later debunked) and was a stark contrast against Talarico’s unifying message.
Crockett lost, but with her died the failed movement among Democratic candidates that based their message on cultural issues rather than material ones. Her campaign was surrounded by baseless attacks and cancel culture strategies that have not worked in over half a decade
Dan Crenshaw and moderate Republicans
Dan Crenshaw lost his primary election in Texas’ second congressional district. The eyepatch-wearing, high profile Republican has more moderate views than the rest of his party. He spoke out after January 6th, and has gone against Trump on a number of issues. Crenshaw lost by a surprisingly large margin to Steve Toth. Toth was endorsed by Ted Cruz, and is a more hard-line Republican than Crenshaw
This election comes as a surprise, as earlier today Crenshaw had a 75% chance of victory on Polymarket. Crenshaw’s loss confirms that breaking with Trump continues to be an election-loser for Republican candidates. Crenshaw is a perfect example of this, having easily won his previous races and being very high profile among Republican house members. This also marks the first incumbent loss of the 2026 midterms.
Al Green and older politicians
Al Green, the 78 year old congressman (who some may know for being kicked out of the State of the Union last year), chose to run for reelection in a decision that was highly controversial, given his age. He has lost to the 37 year old Texas representative Christian Menefee, in a generational race that has decidedly chosen the youth.
Democrats have grown frustrated by what is seen as an aging, out of touch leadership. The party has had a long list of congressmen running for office far longer than they should, most notably Senator Diane Feinstein, who died in office at the age of 90.