A Texas Democrat running for the Senate has ignited controversy with comments regarding his former opponent. Morgan Thompson, a TikTok political influencer who identifies as Black, claimed that state Rep. James Talarico referred to former Rep. Colin Allred as a “mediocre Black man” during a conversation after a town hall in Plano, Texas, on January 12.
Talarico, now contesting against Rep. Jasmine Crockett, reportedly told Thompson, “I signed up to run against a mediocre Black man, not a formidable, intelligent Black woman.” The remarks come after Allred ended his campaign in December, shortly before Crockett announced her Senate bid on December 8, 2025.
In the aftermath of the comments going viral, Talarico’s campaign released a statement calling Thompson’s video a “mischaracterization of a private conversation.” He maintained that while he characterized Allred’s campaign as mediocre, he respects Allred and acknowledges the hard work he has put in as a Black man in America. “I would never attack him on the basis of race,” Talarico insisted.
Talarico pointed out that he is aware of the historical context of race in the U.S. and how his words could be perceived. According to him, “As a Black man in America, Congressman Allred has had to work twice as hard to get where he is.” He emphasized his respect for Allred while stating that Democrats are “all on the same team.” However, the fallout from this incident casts a shadow over that unity.
Allred, a former NFL linebacker and civil rights attorney, responded directly. In a video shared on X, he criticized Talarico for his choice of words and urged him to focus on uplifting Black women without denigrating Black men. “If you want to compliment Black women, just do it,” he said. His message was clear: Using praise for one demographic to belittle another is counterproductive and harmful within the Black community.
Allred further suggested that Talarico’s use of the term “mediocre” might reflect more about Talarico himself than about Allred’s abilities. “Maybe you used the word ‘mediocre’ because there was something creeping into your mind about yourself,” he commented. This assertion strikes a deeper chord, pointing to underlying issues of self-perception and awareness among political figures.
At the conclusion of his video, Allred hinted at his support for Crockett by stating that Talarico should not represent the party in the upcoming race. This endorsement adds another layer to the already complex dynamics between the candidates as they head toward the critical March 3 primary.
Talarico’s comments and Allred’s response are a stark reminder of the sensitive interplay between race, gender, and politics within the Democratic party. The fallout from this incident raises questions about how allies communicate praise and critique, especially within historically marginalized groups. It sets the stage for what promises to be a contentious primary, with deep implications for the future of the Democratic lineup against Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
The primary contest between Crockett and Talarico will not only reveal their political strategies but may also reflect the broader dialogues occurring in society around race and representation. As this election cycle unfolds, the candidates’ words and actions will be scrutinized, and their ability to navigate these conversations could ultimately define their electoral fates.
"*" indicates required fields
