The Texas primaries delivered major surprises — and could reshape the political landscape heading into the 2026 elections.

In this episode of Capitol Conversations, Rachel and Lauren break down the biggest takeaways from a chaotic primary week across Texas. From James Talarico’s unexpected win over social-media powerhouse Jasmine Crockett to the high-stakes Republican runoffs involving Ken Paxton, John Cornyn allies, Tony Gonzalez, and Brandon Herrera, the political battle lines are shifting fast.

Lauren reports from the ground after traveling across Texas and speaking directly with voters, revealing what Beltway insiders often miss: the real issues driving voters in the state.

They discuss:

• Why Talarico’s “Texas-first” campaign strategy worked

• The limits of social media influence in real elections

• What Christian messaging and kitchen-table issues mean for Democrats

• The explosive Tony Gonzalez vs. Brandon Herrera runoff

• How the Allred vs. Julie Johnson Democratic fight could shape the party

• Whether the 2026 midterms are turning into a battle for the political center

With multiple races heading to May runoffs, the fight for Texas — and potentially control of the Senate — is far from over.

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