Connect with us

Southwest

Texas Dem Senate candidate’s ‘mediocre’ comment rocks race

Published

on

Texas Dem Senate candidate’s ‘mediocre’ comment rocks race

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

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.

Advertisement

EX-SNL STAR BOWEN YANG, PODCAST CO-HOST WALK BACK COMMENTS CRITICIZING JASMINE CROCKETT’S SENATE CAMPAIGN

James Talarico, who is facing off against Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate nomination, was slammed for allegedly calling former Rep. Colin Allred a “mediocre Black man.” (Bob Daemmrich/The Texas Tribune/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Sergio Flores for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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.

Advertisement

Texas Democratic Senate candidate Colin Allred reacts at a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 25. (Reuters/Marco Bello)

CORNYN TORCHES DEMOCRATIC FIELD, SAYS PARTY NOW ‘RULED BY SOCIALISTS’

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.

Advertisement

State Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat U.S. Senate candidate, left, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, a U.S. Senate candidate, shake hands during a debate at the 2026 Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention in Georgetown, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (Bob Daemmrich/The Texas Tribune/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

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.

Advertisement

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

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement

Southwest

Timeline: NBC host Savannah Guthrie’s mother disappears as sheriff says ‘everybody’s still a suspect’

Published

on

Timeline: NBC host Savannah Guthrie’s mother disappears as sheriff says ‘everybody’s still a suspect’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

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. 

Advertisement

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE’S MOTHER NANCY POSSIBLY ABDUCTED FROM HER HOME, AUTHORITIES SAY

Australian-born presenter Savannah Guthrie poses alongside her mother Nancy Guthrie during a production break while hosting NBC’s “Today Show” live from Australia at Sydney Opera House on May 4, 2015, in Sydney, Australia. (Don Arnold/Wireimage)

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. 

Advertisement

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.”

Camron Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s brother, pleads for ‘way to communicate’ with mom’s captors as first deadline passes on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.  (@savannahguthrie via Instagram)

“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.

Advertisement

“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.

MOM OF NBC’S SAVANNAH GUTHRIE REPORTED MISSING IN ARIZONA, SHERIFF SAYS THERE IS A ‘CRIME’

Advertisement

Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie. (Instagram/Savannah Guthrie)

Here’s a timeline of events:

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a timeline of events in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. (Fox News Digital/Michael Ruiz)

January 31 at 5:32 p.m.: 

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

January 31 at 9:48 p.m.: 

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.: 

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie. (Instagram/Savannah Guthrie)

Savannah Guthrie and her mother Nancy Guthrie appear on “Today” on April 17, 2019. (Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

February 1 at 12:15 p.m.: 

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

Advertisement

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.”

NBC’S SAVANNAH GUTHRIE TO PULL OUT AS HOST OF WINTER OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY AS MOTHER REMAINS MISSING

Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie. (Instagram/Savannah Guthrie)

Advertisement

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.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie. (Instagram/Savannah Guthrie)

Australian-born Savannah Guthrie poses alongside her mother Nancy Guthrie while hosting NBC’s “Today” live from Australia at the Sydney Opera House on May 4, 2015. (Don Arnold/Wireimage)

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.

Advertisement

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

(Pima County Attorney’s Office)

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.

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Southwest

Republican ‘wake-up call’: Special election shocker highlights GOP turnout and midterm risks

Published

on

Republican ‘wake-up call’: Special election shocker highlights GOP turnout and midterm risks

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

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.

Advertisement

AFFORDABILITY: THE ISSUE THAT BOOSTED TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS IN 2024 DEFLATED THEM IN 2025

Taylor Rehmet greets a supporter at his Senate District 9 runoff watch party at Nickel City in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. (Eleanor Dearman/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

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.

Advertisement

2025 SHOCKERS: THE BIGGEST MOMENTS THAT ROCKED THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

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.

Advertisement

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.

RNC CHAIR BETS ON ‘SECRET WEAPON’ TO DEFY MIDTERM HISTORY, PROTECT GOP MAJORITIES

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

FOX NEWS POLL: AN EARLY LOOK AT THE 2026 MIDTERMS

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.

Advertisement

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.”

CASH SURGE: HOUSE GOP SMASHES FUNDRAISING RECORDS AS REPUBLICANS GEAR UP TO DEFEND SLIM MAJORITY

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.”

Advertisement

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

President Donald Trump signs sweeping spending and tax legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” during a picnic with military families to mark Independence Day, at the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2025.  (Reuters/Ken Cedeno)

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.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

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.

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading

Southwest

Authorities ‘aware’ of reports of possible ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance

Published

on

Authorities ‘aware’ of reports of possible ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed on Tuesday it is “aware” of reports of a possible ransom note in relation to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie.

“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” officials wrote in a statement Tuesday afternoon. 

The sheriff’s office added it is taking all tips and leads “very seriously.”

“Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI,” officials wrote.

Advertisement

INVESTIGATION INTO DISAPPEARANCE OF SAVANNAH GUTHRIE’S MOTHER TAKES DARK TURN AND MORE TOP HEADLINES

The announcement came minutes after TMZ reportedly received an unverified ransom note demanding a “substantial amount” of money in the form of Bitcoin cryptocurrency for Guthrie’s return.

TMZ said it verified the Bitcoin address is “real,” noting it included unreleased details about her disappearance.

TMZ said it contacted law enforcement, as the note included a deadline.

An undated photo of Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie provided by NBC in response to the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of the “Today” host. (Courtesy of NBC)

Advertisement

Local outlet KOLD 13 News also reportedly received what appears to be a ransom note, though it is unclear if the letters received by TMZ and KOLD are identical.

“Our newsroom also received what appears to be a ransom note, and we have sent it to law enforcement,” KOLD reporter Mary Coleman wrote in a statement on X.

In an interview with Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier on “Special Report,” FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal officials are aware of a ransom note while reiterating that local police are acting as the lead investigative agency in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. 

“The local authorities notified the FBI of it, and we are working with them in any manner they choose,” Patel said. “But remember, they’re the lead right now, and we have to respect that. But we are there to help them in any way we can – on ransom notes or otherwise.”

TIMELINE: NBC HOST SAVANNAH GUTHRIE’S MOTHER DISAPPEARS AS SHERIFF SAYS SHE MAY HAVE BEEN ‘ABDUCTED’

Advertisement

Retired FBI special agent Jason Pack told Fox News Digital the letters will need to be authenticated, cautioning that scammers are known to take advantage of families involved in missing person cases.

‪”Scammers will do things that are very distasteful, like scamming the loved ones of people missing, but the police have to take it seriously until they can prove it’s not real,” Pack said. “And it ties up resources that could be devoted to an investigation.”

‬Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tucson home at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the sheriff’s office. 

While officials did not immediately elaborate on the circumstances of her disappearance, they said they believe Guthrie was either kidnapped or abducted.

A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that there were “blood drops” leading from the entryway outside down the house’s pathway toward the driveway. 

Advertisement

Guthrie did not attend her Sunday church service, leading another churchgoer to notify the family, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.

Family members went to the house at about 11 a.m. and called 911 around noon.

An undated photo of Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie provided by NBC in repsonse to the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of the “Today” host. (Courtesy of NBC)

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE ASKS FOR PRAYER AS HER MOTHER REMAINS MISSING: ‘WE NEED YOU’

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department told Fox News Digital on Monday that officials believe Nancy Guthrie was either kidnapped or abducted.

Advertisement

It is unclear if she was targeted, or if the suspected kidnapping was random.

Savannah Guthrie spoke out on Instagram in a post Monday, writing “We need you.”

Exteriors of missing person Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Ariz. Nancy Guthrie, mother of ‘Today’ show host Savannah Guthrie, is suspected of being abducted from her home earlier this week. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him,” she wrote. “Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”

Advertisement

Anyone with information on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is asked to call the tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading

Trending