A Texas Democrat running for Senate is facing backlash over his comments about his former opponent.

Morgan Thompson, a political influencer who posts on TikTok under the username @morga_tt, claimed that state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat, referred to former Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, as a “mediocre Black man.” 

Thompson, who is Black, said the remark was made after a Jan. 12 town hall in Plano, Texas. Talarico, who is now facing off against Rep. Jasmine Crockett, allegedly told Thompson that he “signed up to run against a mediocre Black man, not a formidable, intelligent Black woman.”

Talarico was reportedly referring to Allred as the “mediocre Black man” and Crockett as “a formidable, intelligent Black woman.” Allred had ended his campaign in early December as Crockett prepared to enter the race. She formally launched her bid for the Senate on Dec. 8, 2025, the same day Allred ended his campaign.

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In response to Fox News Digital’s request for comment, Talarico’s campaign pointed to a statement that was released after Thompson’s video went viral. In the statement, Talarico claimed that it was a “mischaracterization of a private conversation.”

“In my praise of Congresswoman Crockett, I described Congressman Allred’s method of campaigning as mediocre — but his life and service are not. I would never attack him on the basis of race,” Talarico’s statement read. “As a Black man in America, Congressman Allred has had to work twice as hard to get where he is. I understand how my critique of the Congressman’s campaign could be interpreted given this country’s painful legacy of racism, and I care deeply about the impact my words have on others.”

Talarico asserted that Democrats are “all on the same team” and said he “deeply” respects Allred.

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Allred, a former NFL linebacker, civil rights attorney and congressman, responded to Talarico in a video posted on X. He slammed Talarico for having “the temerity and the audacity” to make the remark to Thompson.

“First, let me give you some free advice James, if you want to compliment Black women, just do it,” Allred said in the video. “Just do it. Don’t do it while also tearing down a Black man, okay?”

“We’re tired of folks using praise for Black women to mask criticism for Black men. That’s not good for our community,” Allred added.

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The former congressman suggested that there was “a bit of confession” in Talarico’s remarks, saying, “Maybe you used the word ‘mediocre’ because there was something creeping into your mind about yourself because I know you’re not talking about somebody who’s been better at three things than you’ve ever been at one.”

At the end of his video, Allred encouraged people to vote for Crockett, and said that Talarico “should not be our nominee for United States Senate.”

Crockett and Talarico will face off in the state’s March 3 primary. The winner will then run against Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

Fox News Digital reached out to Crockett’s office for comment.

TUCSON, Ariz. – Officials in Tucson, Arizona, are continuing to search for the mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie after she went missing from her home and was last seen on Saturday night, saying that a crime has been committed.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tuscon residence at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. While officials didn’t immediately elaborate on the circumstances of her disappearance, Sheriff Chris Nanos said on Monday that “we do, in fact, have a crime.”

On Thursday, investigators provided several updates regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, with Camron Gutherie delivering yet another desperate plea through social media asking to bring his mother home. 

Nanos revealed additional details surrounding the timeline of the evening Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home, including that the doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m. and her pacemaker stopped syncing to her Apple Watch at 2:28 a.m. Additionally, Nanos told reporters that “everybody’s still a suspect,” though investigators have not located a person of interest in the case. 

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Blood droplets found outside the home were confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie’s, according to Nanos. 

The FBI also announced a $50,000 reward Thursday for information in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. 

Authorities are working to verify a ransom note that was sent to at least three news stations earlier this week, with Nanos revealing the letter demanding a large sum of cryptocurrency by 5 p.m. local time on Thursday. 

Around the time of the deadline, Camron Guthrie posted to his sister and NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie’s Instagram account pleading with his mother’s captors to make contact with the family. 

“This is Camron Guthrie. I am speaking for the Guthrie family,” he said. “Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.”

“But first, we have to know that you have our mom,” he continued. “We want to talk to you and we are waiting for contact.”

A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that it’s believed Nancy Guthrie was either kidnapped or abducted.

“Sheriff [Chris] Nanos has stated that he believes that a crime has been committed,” a spokesperson for Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital. “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction.”

Nanos said Nancy Guthrie didn’t leave the home by herself. According to the Los Angeles Times, blood was found inside Nancy Guthrie’s home. A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that there were “blood drops” leading from the entryway outside down the house’s pathway towards the driveway.During an interview on MSNOW on Tuesday, Nanos said Nancy Guthrie was “physically removed from that home against her will,” but declined to say whether she was harmed. The sheriff also said it’s unknown if the individual who took Nancy Guthrie is familiar or a stranger.Police dispatch audio when Nancy Guthrie went missing reveals that the 84-year-old has health issues.

Savannah Guthrie released a statement to NBC’s “Today” on Monday morning.

“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” the statement said.

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Here’s a timeline of events:

January 31 at 5:32 p.m.: 

Nancy Guthrie travels to her family’s home for dinner.

January 31 at 9:48 p.m.: 

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department says Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue on Saturday evening. Nancy Guthrie’s children dropped her off at the home at around 9:45 p.m., Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said. 

January 31 at 9:50 p.m.: 

Nancy Guthrie’s garage door closes.

February 1 at 1:47 a.m.: 

The doorbell camera at Nancy Guthrie’s home disconnects.

February 1 at 2:12 a.m.:

A security camera detected motion on camera at Nancy Guthrie’s home. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department noted that there was no video available because a subscription wasn’t active.

February 1 at 2:28 a.m. 

Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from the application on her phone.

February 1 at 11 a.m.: 

Nanos said Nancy Guthrie didn’t attend her church service, adding that her family was notified about the absence by a churchgoer. Officials said family members went to Nancy Guthrie’s home at around 11 a.m. and spent some time looking for her.

February 1 at 11:56 a.m.:

Nancy Guthrie’s family checks in on her.

February 1 at 12:03 p.m.:

Nancy Guthrie’s family calls 911, according to officials.

The law enforcement source also said that there were “blood drops” leading from the entryway outside down the house’s pathway towards the driveway.

February 1 at 12:15 p.m.: 

Sheriff’s deputies arrive at Nancy Guthrie’s home.

February 1 at 8:55 p.m.: 

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department says they’ve begun search and rescue efforts using helicopters, infrared cameras and drones to search for the missing 84-year-old. During a news conference on Sunday night, Nanos said they found evidence that raised “some concerns” at Nancy Guthrie’s home.

“We’re pretty much just throwing everything at this that we can. Guthrie is 84 years old and is not of good physical health, and so naturally that’s a great concern,” Nanos said. “This is very concerning to us. We don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this. But it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house.”

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February 2 at 9:17 a.m.:

Nanos said during a news conference that Nancy Guthrie didn’t leave the house on her own accord, adding that a crime had been committed. He said the search and rescue mission had been shut down to give that team time to rest.

“We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene that we do, in fact, have a crime,” Nanos said. “She did not leave on her own. We know that.”

“We don’t see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene,” he added.

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Nanos noted that Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and has medication that she needs to take every 24 hours, which could be fatal if not taken. He said Nancy Guthrie “is of great sound mind” besides her physical ailments, adding she’s “sharp as a tack.”

WATCH: Sheriff’s helicopter hovers over area where missing Nancy Guthrie is believed to live

Investigators were seen in the area where Nancy Guthrie lives, including sheriff’s department helicopters.

“We need her back. We need to find her, and time is very critical. She is 84. She needs her meds,” Nanos said.

WATCH: Sheriff’s office deputies walk up driveway of house in area of Nancy Guthrie’s house

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office is providing a reward up to $2,500 for information relating to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

People with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at: 520-351-4900.

A stunning setback for Republicans at the ballot box in a ruby red part of right-leaning Texas has some saying the defeat was a “wake-up call” for the GOP ahead of this year’s midterm elections, when the party is defending its narrow congressional majorities.

The double-digit shellacking, in a special state Senate election this past weekend in a Fort Worth area district that President Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024, comes amid backlash over the Trump administration’s unprecedented crackdown on illegal immigration and, as the latest polling indicates, the president and his party are well underwater.

The Democrats’ victory, their latest win or over performance in a slew of special elections since Trump returned to power in the White House a year ago, is further energizing them as they work to win back control of the House and possibly the Senate.

“It’s clearly a wake-up call for Republicans,” longtime Texas-based Republican strategist Brendan Steinhauser told Fox News Digital.

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And he warned that the results in Saturday’s special election to fill a vacant GOP-controlled seat in state Senate District 9 “does show that Democrats are energized and Republicans did not turn out in the numbers they should have.”

“If Democrats can win this seat, it puts a lot of other seats in play,” Steinhauser warned.

But Republican sources involved in midterm messaging tell Fox News Digital that while they’re not discounting the Democrats’ victories, there’s no talk right now of a wholesale revamping of the GOP’s playbook.

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In Texas, Machinist and Air Force veteran Taylor Rehmet topped Republican Leigh Wambsganss by roughly 14 points in Saturday’s runoff election, despite Republicans dramatically outspending Democrats in the race, along with support from top Republicans including Gov. Greg Abbott and a last-minute endorsement and a social media push by Trump.

This is the first time the seat, in the northern part of Fort Worth anchored Tarrant County, has been represented by a Democrat in four decades.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) called it a “Shockwave Victory” and highlighted that “Democrats have now flipped 26 state legislative seats since Trump retook office, while Republicans have flipped zero.”

The results of special elections are often over-hyped and are not always the best indicator or barometer of things to come. But regardless, Republicans aren’t trying to sugarcoat the results.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the defeat “a wake-up call for Republicans across Texas. Our voters cannot take anything for granted.”

And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis noted on X, “Special elections are quirky and not necessarily projectable re: a general election. That said, a swing of this magnitude is not something that can be dismissed.”

“Republicans should be clear-eyed about the political environment heading into the midterms,” DeSantis emphasized.

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Thanks in part to their laser focus on the issue of affordability amid persistent inflation, Democrats scored decisive victories in the 2025 elections, and have overperformed at the ballot box in other off-year and special elections since the start of Trump’s second administration. But some of those victories and overperformances came in contests in small state legislative districts, where large swings can take place amid low voter turnout.

That wasn’t the case in Texas, where the 9th state Senate district is home to roughly one million people, more populous than the 800,000 people in a typical congressional district.

Republicans, as the party in power in the nation’s capital, are facing traditional political headwinds in the midterms and a rough climate.

More than half (54%) surveyed in the latest Fox News national poll said the nation was worse off than it was a year ago, when Trump took office, with only 31% saying the U.S. was in a better position.

Only 30% said the economy was in excellent or good shape, and Trump’s overall approval ratings remain in negative territory (44%-56%), according to the poll.

The survey was the latest national poll to spell trouble for the GOP.

Trump’s emphasis on inflation was a key factor in Republicans winning back the White House and Senate and holding on to the House in the 2024 elections. But Trump’s approval on combating inflation stood at just 35% in the Fox News survey.

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Border security and immigration were also winning issues for Trump and the GOP in 2024. But in the wake of two fatal shootings by federal agents of U.S. citizens in Minnesota protesting against the administration’s aggressive deportation efforts, the president’s poll numbers on immigration have slipped.

While Trump’s approval ratings on border security stood at 52%-47% in the latest Fox News poll, he was at 45%-55% on how he was handling immigration.

Tarrant County is Texas’ third most populous, and nearly a third of its population is Hispanic.

Trump made major gains with Hispanic voters in Texas and across the county as he won back the White House in 2024.

“I think we might have expected that the support among Hispanic voters in Texas for Trump might translate to all Republicans. That may not be the case,” Steinhauser noted.

And he suggested that “some of the other imagery coming out of Minnesota is giving people pause, especially Hispanic Texans.”

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Looking ahead to November’s midterms, when the Democrats need a net gain of just three seats to recapture the House majority, DNC Chair Ken Martin said that the results in the Texas special election “prove that no Republican seat is safe.”

Two veteran Republican strategists told Fox News Digital Republicans need to showcase their successes to change the narrative heading into the midterms.

Pointing to the GOP’s sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which includes numerous tax cuts that many voters will feel this spring, Lance Trover said “Republicans have passed significant legislation. It’s on us to go out and sell it and remind voters that if Democrats have their way we are on a fast track to socialism.”

And Colin Reed emphasized that “if the economy starts booming on the backs of the One, Big Beautiful Bill’s provisions taking hold, the Republican Party need to remind America that this was a policy uniformly supported by one party and opposed by another. That’s the GOP’s big bet heading into the midterms.”

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And back in Texas, Patrick was optimistic as he looked head to the midterms.

“I know the energy and strength the Republican grassroots in Texas possess. We will come out fighting with a new resolve, and we will take this seat back in November,” the lieutenant governor predicted.

Fox News’ Dana Blanton and Victoria Balara contributed to this report.