Texas State Representative James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, is set to make a bold statement by airing a commercial during the Super Bowl in the Houston market. This marks him as the first, and currently the only, Senate hopeful in Texas to invest in ad space for the high-profile event.
Talarico, who represents Austin, unveiled the ad on social media shortly before the game, eliciting reactions from his primary rival, Jasmine Crockett. The commercial, costing six figures, is a 30-second spot that will air once during the climactic finale of the NFL season, as reported by local sources.
The advertisement encapsulates Talarico’s campaign mantra, which focuses on resisting corporate PAC influence and advocating for increased taxes on the wealthy while promoting tax relief for average earners. “Billionaires don’t just influence politicians, they own them,” Talarico asserts in the ad, emphasizing his commitment to rejecting substantial donations from affluent contributors in favor of serving the interests of everyday Texans.
In response, Jasmine Crockett, Talarico’s competitor in the upcoming primary set for March 3, has interpreted the ad as a sign of Talarico’s need for greater visibility among voters. She stated, “We do have very high name ID, as well as branding, and he’s attempting to introduce himself to Texans because, while he’s been elected for a longer amount of time, he’s not been at the forefront of these fights and Texans don’t know who he is.”
Crockett, whose campaign is supported by small-dollar donors, expressed concerns regarding the spending on advertising, implying that Talarico has already invested around $6 million in his primary campaign. She also raised suspicions about a recent negative advertisement targeting her campaign that she believes may be linked to Talarico.
In defense of his campaign, a spokesperson for Talarico refuted claims of coordination with outside entities, asserting that federal law prohibits such actions. They underscored Talarico’s commitment to running a positive campaign grounded in principles and ideas, reiterating his pledge to work against super PACs if elected to the Senate.
As the primary race heats up, no other candidates have reportedly purchased ad space for the Super Bowl, according to Federal Communications Commission records. This upcoming primary is crucial, as it will determine which Democrat will vie for the seat currently held by U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a Republican.
The stakes are high, as the race has garnered national attention, signaling a significant Democratic effort to secure a seat long dominated by the GOP. With no Democrat winning a statewide election in Texas since 1994, the competition between Talarico and Crockett is expected to be intense.
Crockett, known for her progressive stance and strong presence in the U.S. House, entered the race later than Talarico following a Supreme Court decision that reshaped congressional districts in Texas. Meanwhile, Talarico has been a visible figure in the Austin area since his election in 2018. He has gained a following for his articulate responses and blend of progressive values with his Christian beliefs, recently breaking fundraising records with $6 million raised shortly after announcing his candidacy.
As the Democratic candidates gear up for the primary, the Republican side also faces its own challenges. Senator Cornyn, who has held his position since 2002, is up against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt in a primary that could lead to a runoff. Cornyn’s close alignment with former President Trump and Paxton’s popularity among MAGA supporters complicate the landscape as they seek to maintain Republican control of the seat.
