WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 A Dallas congresswoman opened her Senate campaign by telling voters that she \u201chas gone toe to toe with Donald Trump.\u201d Her Democratic primary opponent insisted that Americans are tired of \u201cpolitics as a blood sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
The divergent approach highlights how U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett<\/a> and state Rep. James Talarico<\/a> are navigating a race where Democrats hope to break a three-decade losing streak in Texas. It also reflects a broader divide within the party, with some candidates continuing to focus on Trump while others barely mention his name.<\/p>\n Figuring out the best approach will be critical for Democrats who are grasping for a path back to power in the 2026 midterm elections that will determine control of Congress and are already maneuvering for the 2028 presidential race.<\/p>\n Republicans, by contrast, have been crystal clear. <\/p>\n Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, said in a recent podcast interview that the Republican president will campaign aggressively next year and the party will \u201cput him on the ballot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is the greatest vote energizer in the history of politics,\u201d said Neil Newhouse, a veteran Republican pollster. \u201cBut the challenge is that he does it as much for Democrats as he does for Republicans.\u201d <\/p>\n Crockett takes on Trump<\/p>\n In her campaign launch video, Crockett was silent as audio of Trump\u2019s insults played, including multiple times that he has called her a \u201cvery low-IQ person.\u201d At the end of the video, she breaks out into a smile.<\/p>\n On Monday, she addressed the president more directly.<\/p>\n \u201cTrump, I know you\u2019re watching, so let me tell you directly,\u201d Crockett said. \u201cYou\u2019re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. You better get to work because I\u2019m coming for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Trump responded the next day, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that her candidacy is \u201ca gift to Republicans\u201d and \u201cI can\u2019t even believe she\u2019s a politician, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n For nearly a decade, Democrats have used their criticism of Trump to draw attention and fuel fundraising. Governors who are considered potential 2028 presidential contenders, including California\u2019s Gavin Newsom<\/a> and Illinois\u2019 JB Pritzker, saw their profiles rise<\/a> as they positioned themselves as staunch Trump opponents.<\/p>\n U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., recently participated in a video telling service members that they should not follow \u201cillegal orders.\u201d Trump responded<\/a> by accusing him of \u201cseditious behavior\u201d that\u2019s \u201cpunishable by death.\u201d<\/p>\n Kelly started a national media tour and sent out a flurry of fundraising emails, both for himself and other Democrats. He said Trump has bullied everyone in his career, \u201cbut not now, because I won\u2019t let it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n When it comes to running for office, \u201cTrump is the red meat that drives donors,\u201d said John Anzalone, a longtime Democratic pollster.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are clearly some candidates that are playing towards the donor world that don\u2019t actually make a great argument for winning races. But it\u2019s great for clicks and making money. And money is the first primary that you need to win.\u201d<\/p>\n Talarico charts a different course<\/p>\n Talarico has built a following with a less combative style. The former schoolteacher who is working toward a master\u2019s degree in divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary gained attention by posting viral social media content challenging Republicans\u2019 claims to Christian values. He has focused less on Trump or other politicians. <\/p>\n \u201cThe biggest divide in our country is not left versus right. It\u2019s top versus bottom,\u201d Talarico said in the video launching his campaign.<\/p>\n