Unexpected Cardi B Endorsement – Can She Sway Texas?

February 28, 2026

A performer in a stylish outfit holding a bouquet of flowers during a parade

A celebrity rapper with 164 million followers just waded into a Texas Democratic Senate primary, pushing a candidate who faces an uphill battle in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in over three decades.

Story Snapshot

Cardi B endorsed Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Democratic Senate primary via Instagram video
Crockett leads the Democratic field with 56% support but faces tough general election odds in red Texas
The combined Democratic and Republican primaries have generated over $110 million in ad spending, making it the nation’s most expensive primary race
Texas Republicans are running a competitive three-way primary featuring Sen. John Cornyn, AG Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt

Celebrity Endorsement Targets Democratic Primary Voters

Cardi B released a video endorsement on February 26, 2026, urging her massive social media following to vote for Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the March 3 Democratic primary. The rapper told viewers to support Crockett if they want someone who will “fight for your rights” and “represent your issues.” The endorsement came during the final days of early voting, which concluded February 27. Crockett, elected to Congress in 2022 as a former civil rights attorney, celebrated the endorsement on social media while encouraging Texans to take advantage of early voting opportunities.

Democratic Primary Shows Crockett With Commanding Lead

University of Texas polling shows Crockett holding 56% support among likely Democratic voters compared to 44% for her closest competitor, State Rep. James Talarico. The race includes attorney Ahmad Hassan as a third candidate. Cardi B’s endorsement amplifies Crockett’s existing advantage by potentially mobilizing younger voters through cultural influence and social media reach. The Democratic primary has attracted significant national attention as the party seeks a nominee to challenge the Republican winner in November’s general election, though political strategists acknowledge the eventual Democratic nominee faces steep odds in traditionally Republican Texas.

Record-Breaking Spending Reflects Competitive Landscape

The Texas Senate race has become the nation’s most expensive primary contest, with combined Democratic and Republican spending exceeding $110 million in advertisements. This historic spending reflects high stakes on both sides of the aisle. Republicans are engaged in their own competitive three-way primary featuring incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt. The substantial resources pouring into these primaries demonstrate the national significance both parties assign to Texas Senate representation, even as Democrats face the reality that no member of their party has won a Texas Senate seat in more than three decades.

General Election Reality Check For Democrats

While Crockett appears positioned to secure the Democratic nomination, the general election presents a fundamentally different challenge. Texas has consistently elected Republicans to the Senate for over 30 years, creating structural obstacles for any Democratic candidate regardless of primary performance or celebrity endorsements. Political strategists note that winning the Democratic primary does not translate to general election viability in a state where Republican voters outnumber Democrats and conservative values remain dominant. If elected, Crockett would become the first Black person ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas, a historic milestone that Democrats hope will mobilize their base despite long odds.

The endorsement illustrates how Democrats increasingly rely on celebrity figures and cultural influence to compensate for policy positions that often conflict with Texas voters’ conservative priorities. While entertainment industry support may energize progressive activists in Democratic primaries, it remains unclear whether such endorsements resonate with the broader Texas electorate that will ultimately decide the general election. Republicans will face their own voters on March 3, selecting from three candidates who represent different factions within the party as they prepare for what promises to be a consequential November contest.