Texas Democrats will gather next week in Corpus Christi, seeking to project unity and build momentum behind state Rep. James Talarico’s Senate campaign. One of the party’s most recognizable stars, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas, will not be attending the state convention. Instead, she is focusing on helping down-ballot candidates across the country.

Party Unity

Crockett’s absence from the convention reflects a lingering divide between her and Talarico, who served together in the Texas House and became rivals during the hotly contested Senate race. Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton in November. Crockett said she received what she described as an ‘afterthought invite’ on June 8 from Talarico.

Talarico’s campaign said he called Crockett and left a message suggesting she make the keynote speech at the convention. In a statement, Talarico said that ‘Texans are coming together…to do something extraordinary.’ Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said the party contacted members of Crockett’s staff and that she has had an invitation to the convention since March.

Call for Solidarity

Since winning the primary, Talarico has called for party unity and attempted to shore up his support with Black voters. He has racked up endorsements and campaigned with Black candidates on November’s ballot. He’s also tried to strike a conciliatory tone with Crockett. Talarico has emphasized coalition-building, telling supporters that ‘we’re going to have to come together if we’re going to win in November.’

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.