Texas Rep. Talarico denies calling Allred a “mediocre Black man,” sparking backlash and Allred’s endorsement of his opponent in the Democratic Senate primary.

Texas state Rep. James Talarico faces backlash after a TikTok video alleged he called former Congressman Colin Allred a “mediocre Black man” during a private conversation, prompting Allred to endorse his opponent, Jasmine Crockett, in the Democratic Senate primary. Talarico denied the claim, calling it a mischaracterization and saying he criticized Allred’s campaign style, not his identity or service. The controversy has intensified the already competitive primary ahead of the March 3 vote, with Allred urging voters to reject what he called racially charged rhetoric.