Roland Martin addressed criticism of Rep. Jasmine Crockett's U.S. Senate campaign during a Tuesday podcast episode.

Martin, a prominent podcaster, spoke on "At Our Table with Jamie Harrison" about backlash against Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) in her Democratic primary race against James Talarico. Martin criticized certain detractors of Crockett's campaign, stating they lack an understanding of Texas politics. Host Jamie Harrison agreed with Martin's assessment during the discussion.

According to Fox News, Crockett announced her candidacy on Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas, while Talarico launched his campaign on Sept. 9, 2025, in Round Rock, Texas. The debate over Crockett’s viability in the race has stirred sharp opinions on both sides. Some question her electability, while others see her as a strong contender. This clash of views has exposed deeper tensions within the Democratic base.

Martin’s Sharp Rebuke of Crockett Critics

Martin didn’t hold back, singling out what he calls “White progressives” for unfairly targeting Crockett while boosting Talarico. He argued these critics, many not even from Texas, have no grasp of the state’s political landscape or voter dynamics. Their sudden expertise, he suggested, reeks of agenda-driven meddling.

“And I'm sick of these White progressives who don't live in Texas, and I see them, I go to their bio [and] they a-- is in New York, San Francisco, Kansas, Missouri,” Martin fumed. “Y'all don't know nothing about Texas.”

Now, let’s unpack this. Martin’s frustration might resonate with those of us tired of out-of-state busybodies dictating local races, as if Texas is just another checkbox on their activist bingo card. It’s a reminder that politics should be rooted in the soil of the community, not parachuted in from coastal elitist enclaves.

Texas Demographics in the Spotlight

Martin also pointed to Texas’s unique demographic makeup, noting its population is over 60% minority, which he believes could give Crockett an edge. Yet, he acknowledged that roughly 60% of actual voters in the state are White, highlighting a turnout gap. This discrepancy frames the race as a question of mobilization, not just ideology.

Looking at Texas’s history, Martin emphasized that Senate races have often featured a diverse mix of candidates since the 1970s. He argued that dismissing Crockett ignores this longstanding reality. For conservatives, this raises a question: are her critics underestimating the shifting ground in a state that’s not as “red” as it seems?

Martin further noted that when Beto O’Rourke lost to Gov. Greg Abbott, a staggering 75% of voters under 30 didn’t show up. Texas, with the largest number of eligible Black voters in the nation, could tilt differently if turnout changes. This isn’t ideology—it’s math, and conservatives should take note of how apathy could reshape battlegrounds.

Critics Lack Local Knowledge, Says Martin

Martin doubled down, accusing Crockett’s skeptics of ignorance about regional voting patterns across West Texas, South Texas, and East Texas. He claimed they couldn’t name key county-level political trends, like Tarrant County being the last major Republican stronghold while Democrats hold Harris, Dallas, Baird, and Travis. This, he argued, exposes their shallow analysis.

“They couldn't tell you how performance is in West Texas, South Texas, voters in East Texas — they got no clue whatsoever,” Martin asserted. For those of us who value local insight, this critique hits hard—national pundits often paint with broad brushes while ignoring the gritty details of state politics.

Polls, according to Martin, show Crockett as a competitive force against Talarico, challenging the narrative that she’s a long shot. Conservatives watching this Democratic infighting might see an opportunity: a divided left could weaken their eventual nominee, especially if turnout remains a wildcard.

Conservative Take on Democratic Drama

While Martin defends Crockett, the bigger picture for conservatives is the chaos within the Democratic camp. When their own commentators are calling out hypocrisy and ignorance among their base, it signals a party struggling to unify. This Senate primary could be a preview of broader fractures come election day.

Ultimately, Martin’s rant underscores a truth conservatives have long understood: politics isn’t just about ideas, it’s about who shows up. If Texas Democrats can’t mobilize their diverse base, as Martin warns, the state’s conservative tilt might hold firm despite demographic shifts.

For now, the Crockett-Talarico showdown is a sideshow worth watching. It’s not just about two candidates—it’s about whether the left can get its act together or hand conservatives another opening. Let’s see if Martin’s call to “sit down” echoes beyond the podcast studio.