Takeaways from the first Texas Senate Democratic primary debate
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key takeaways
- Virality vs. unity: Crockett’s fiery, viral moments contrast with Talarico’s measured, faith-forward approach, highlighting two styles within the same race.
- ICE policy debate: Crockett called ICE a rogue organization and said she’s willing to clean house; Talarico urged tearing down this secret police force and replacing it with an agency focused on public safety.
- Impeachment posture: Crockett said there is more than enough to impeach Trump (tariffs-related authority noted); Talarico argued for oversight rather than an immediate impeachment push, while also raising impeachment considerations for immigration enforcement leadership.
- Texas context matters: Immigration and border policy loom large in a state with a long border and diverse communities, shaping Democratic messaging and strategy.
Table of contents
Would they abolish ICE?
Immigration and border policy dominated the discussion. Crockett labeled US Immigration and Customs Enforcement a “rogue organization”, while Talarico accused agents of “executed a man in broad daylight on our streets just this morning.” On the question of abolishing or defunding ICE, Crockett stated, “We absolutely have to clean house, whatever that looks like, I am willing to do it.” Talarico responded, “It’s time to tear down this secret police force and replace it with an agency that actually is going to focus on public safety.”
Republican incumbents John Cornyn and Ken Paxton seized on the debate to frame the Democrats as wanting to abolish ICE. Crockett emphasized a balanced approach to immigration, while Talarico highlighted a welcoming frontier on immigration with a pathway to citizenship for those already contributing to the American story and a firm stance against threats.
“Our southern border should be like our front porch. There should be a giant welcome mat out front and a lock on the door,” said Talarico, pointing to his Laredo connections to highlight practical border realities. Crockett argued for controlling enforcement through a reform-minded approach that protects citizens and documents while addressing the root causes of migration.
On impeaching Trump
Some in the Democratic base want aggressive action if the party controls Congress. Crockett said, “I think that there is more than enough to impeach Donald Trump. I think that he should be impeached as it relates to his unlawful use of the tariffs. That’s a very easy one. He doesn’t have the legal authority to do it.”
Talarico declined to say he would pursue impeachment, arguing the administration should be subject to review and scrutiny for potential impeachable offenses, especially regarding public-enrichment concerns.
In a related note on immigration enforcement, Talarico said Kristi Noem should be impeached, a position Crockett has also backed. The impeachment discussion reflects the broader tension in the party between bold accountability measures and risk-averse political calculus.
“Impeachment is an issue that could animate the Democratic base who want to see more aggressive push back on the president,” the article notes, while also acknowledging that party leaders seek to center affordability messaging in midterm strategy.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/24/politics/takeaways-from-the-first-debate-in-the-texas-senate-democratic-primary-race
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