Democrats diverged more in style than in substance during their first U.S. Senate debate in deeply Republican Texas, though they did draw some distinctions on the future of ICE and impeaching President Donald Trump.
Crockett, a vocal second-term U.S. House member, and Talarico, a quieter four-term state representative, largely agreed on economic issues, health care and taxes.
Both emphasized the need for a “fighter” in the Senate seat. Crockett, who is Black, stated she was better able to connect with disenchanted Black voters, while Talarico—a Presbyterian seminarian who frequently talks about his Christian faith—noted he could win over rural voters dissatisfied with Republicans.
The hour-long debate, held before hundreds of labor union members and their families at the Texas AFL-CIO political convention, offered an early look at the themes Democrats aiming to flip the Republican-controlled Senate in November will likely highlight throughout the midterm campaign.
The candidate chosen in the March 3 primary will go up against the winner of the Republican race featuring a four-term [incumbent], Rep. Wesley Hunt and state Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Impeachment of Trump
Crockett said she would back impeachment proceedings against Trump, starting with an investigation into his use of tariffs. She has previously supported impeachment efforts in the House and, if Democrats take the House in November, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, she would be able to advocate for them.
“I think that there is more than enough to impeach Donald Trump,” Crockett said. “Ultimately, do I think we should go through the formal process? Absolutely.”
Talarico didn’t explicitly state if he would support impeachment proceedings, only noting, “I think the administration has definitely committed impeachable offenses.”
Instead, Talarico said that as a senator, he would assess any evidence from an impeachment trial impartially—since the Senate doesn’t file impeachment charges but votes on conviction or acquittal. “I’m not going to outline articles of impeachment at a political debate,” he said.
Both candidates address ICE funding
Both candidates criticized the Saturday shooting of a man in Minneapolis by federal immigration officers and ICE’s significant presence in the city, with Talarico more firm about reducing the agency’s funding.
Both expressed support for impeaching Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—who oversees ICE—but Crockett was less clear on cutting ICE’s funding.
“We absolutely have to clean house,” she said. “Whatever that looks like, I’m willing to do it.”
Talarico was more precise about ICE funding, saying, “We should take that money back and invest it in our communities where it rightfully belongs.”
Differences of style
Though both candidates agreed the role demands a “fighter,” Crockett portrayed herself as a prominent adversary, while Talarico highlighted his work challenging Republicans in the Texas Statehouse.
“I’m here to fight the system—the one holding so many of us back,” said Crockett, a 44-year-old Dallas civil rights attorney and former public defender who has gained national attention with a straightforward style that has produced viral moments.
“It’s about connecting with the urgency of this moment,” Crockett said regarding what Democratic primary voters want.
Talarico, a former public school teacher, positioned himself as someone who had actively pushed back against the Republican-led state legislature.
He cited his opposition to Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s agenda in Austin—particularly on tax credits for Texans who send their children to private schools.
“We need a proven fighter for our schools, for our values, for our constituents in the halls of power,” he said. “I think we need a teacher in the United States Senate.”
Taxes, health care and economy
Crockett and Talarico were mostly in agreement on domestic policy, including backing higher taxes.
Both suggested ending tariffs to reduce consumer costs.
“We have to roll back these tariffs,” Crockett said. “It’s hurting farmers and ranchers who are filing a record number of bankruptcies.”
Talarico was more straightforward about his support for raising taxes on the country’s richest individuals.
“What I will not compromise on is making sure these billionaires pay for all that they have gotten from this country,” Talarico said, though he didn’t specify how much he would seek to raise taxes.
Crockett voted against the tax-cut and spending-reduction bill passed by the Republican-led Congress and signed by Trump last summer. The bill extended tax cuts from Trump’s first term.
She also voiced support for Medicare for All—a government-run health insurance program for all Americans.
“If we truly believe that everyone should have access to health care, we can make that a reality with bold leadership,” she said.
Talarico backs the idea and spoke positively about universal basic income, though he didn’t say he would specifically advocate for it in the Senate.
“I’m very encouraged by some pilot programs of universal basic income,” he said.