U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced plans this month to endorse several Democratic candidates for Texas House seats and county judge positions, continuing her focus on down-ballot races instead of joining the campaign of James Talarico.

Talarico defeated Crockett in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican John Cornyn earlier this year. Crockett conceded the March contest and issued an initial endorsement of Talarico, who now faces Republican Ken Paxton in November.

In a recent interview, Crockett said she would soon reveal a slate of four state House candidates and three county judge nominees. She has repeatedly stated that her efforts will target these lower-profile races through her leadership PAC, FIRE.

Crockett has declined multiple invitations to appear with Talarico on the campaign trail. During an August CNN appearance, she told host Laura Coates that she would be "campaigning down ballot" and suggested that concentrating resources on a single top-of-the-ticket candidate had not worked for Democrats in Texas in the past.

The congresswoman has also questioned whether Black voters feel sufficient enthusiasm for Talarico, though she said she expects them to support Democrats regardless. Talarico won the primary with about 52.5 percent to Crockett's 46.2 percent.

Her decision to prioritize local races comes after she endorsed five Texas candidates ahead of May runoffs, all of whom prevailed. This approach has drawn criticism from some Democrats who view it as insufficient support for the party's Senate nominee.

Talarico's campaign has described Crockett's March endorsement as a difficult step and noted her down-ballot work as helpful. The Senate race remains a major target for Democrats in a state where Republicans have not lost a statewide contest since 1994.