CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip Texas Primaries and the Path to the Senate
Mar 4, 2026
Isaiah Martin, political commentator on Texas Democratic dynamics. Jeff Zeleny, CNN correspondent with on-the-ground campaign updates from Austin. John King, veteran correspondent delivering data-driven vote counts. They dig into tight Texas Senate primaries, Democratic unity and legal fights in Dallas County. They analyze Republican infighting, runoff scenarios, and real-time campaign reactions.
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Tallarico's Coalition Built On Rural And Latino Margins
- James Tallarico led broadly by running up margins in rural counties and Latino-majority border counties, giving him a statewide cushion despite Crockett's strength in big cities.
- Tallarico won Travis, Bexar and Rio Grande Valley counties by large percentages while Crockett's gains clustered in Harris and Tarrant and (pending) Dallas County.
Dallas County Became The Tipping Point
- Dallas County vote returns were decisive for Jasmine Crockett to erase Tallarico's lead, creating uncertainty late into the night.
- After initial Tallarico leads, first Dallas returns narrowed his margin by roughly 45,000 votes, making Dallas the pivotal question for a call.
Republican Primary Split Mirrors Bush Versus Trump Divide
- The Texas Republican primary was headed to a runoff between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, reflecting a split between establishment and MAGA wings.
- Cornyn led in population centers while Paxton carried many rural counties, leaving 43% to 40% with Wesley Hunt at ~13%.