02.26.2026_Defender-e-FULL

Undecided Voters still weighing their options could tip the scale in key Texas races

PROFILE

INFOCUS

ACYNTHIA VILLERY

JASMINE CROCKETT T

The rodeo announcer breaks barriers, preserves history.

The U.S. Rep. and Senate e candidate is fighting to the end to boost turnout for the March 3 p primary.

Volume 95, issue 19 February 26, 2026

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DN To the POINT CONCERTS

THEATER

GOSPEL

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a candidate for the U.S. Senate (TX), is just one of the individuals all voting-age Black people should and would know if our civics/political education were up to par. Credit: Tannistha Sinha.

Community Reporter’s Message finding it problematic? I just wanted our culRecently, a Gen X friend of mine asked a ture to have a superhero of its own!” The fact younger brother had he voted in the current that one of our own could think our culture election. He had. As the conversation contincould best be represented by a durag is more ued, my friend mentioned Jasmine Crockett. troubling than a mere cartoon. Hey Disney, And to my homegirl’s dismay, the young here are some better superhero suggestions. brother said, “Jasmine Crockett? Who’s that?”

Music Man: Since the world revolves around When she told me this story, my first thought the music we created. Soul Sister: Because was, “How does any Black person in the U.S. our essence is the soul of so much greatness. not know Jasmine Crockett?” I mean, Soul SisOrigins: A team of Black superheroes, each ter has been in the headlines non-stop for the representing some aspect of what our ancesAswad Walker past few years as the only Democrat matching tors gave the world (art, science, religion, Republican anti-Blackness and anti-democracy nonsense with etc.). How about the dynamic duo, Coco & Butter: two Black some “I’m not the one or the two” energy. Even folks who aren’t super-powered beings on a mission to end the evil reign of Ash? “into” politics know who gave us the bars “bleach blonde, bad There are a million positive options Disney/Corbett could have built, butch body.” Or so I thought. The fact that any voting-age used for a new Black superhero. Captain Durag is not one.

Black person who is that politically unplugged is an indictment on us all. We’ve got to step up our political/civics education Project 2275 game big time. The Defender has been consciously providing Many in Blackworld are screaming foul regarding former NFL weekly (darn near daily) articles educating readers about the QB Cam Newton’s assertion that a woman’s value diminishes Nov. 2026 elections. But, truth be told, we’ve been providing with each child she has. They are criticizing Newton for equating regular, consistent political education to our readers for 95 years. the sum total of a woman’s worth to the number of children she We’re calling on faith communities, barbershops, beauty salons, does or does not give birth to. But Blackworld is sleeping on the sports bars, corner stores, Black-owned eateries, K-through-col- Heritage Foundation’s (The Project 2025 creators) new insidious lege schools, civic clubs, Greek organizations, etc., to step up scheme that is even more demeaning to women because they your civics/political education game—informal conversations want to make second-class citizenship the law of the land. We or organized events surrounding politics. We must. Because slept on Project 2025. Now, we’re living in its gruesome destrucit doesn’t matter whether you’re “into” politics or not. Politics tion. This “new” plan, “Saving America by Saving the Family: (the process of choosing who will distribute limited resources A Foundation for the Next 250 Years,” is already being impleto which community) impacts the quality of your life (or lack mented. The SAVE Act, which could remove nearly 70 million thereof) from the rotter to the tooter. women from voter rolls, is just one aspect. They literally wrote down plans to ensure that women don’t go to college, don’t work, Captain Durag and don’t vote. Heritage Foundation members seek to lower the By now, you’ve probably heard that Disney Jr.’s show Hey A.J. “age of consent” to 13 or 14 years old (making child “brides” has a character named Captain Durag. First off, I had no idea legal). This is The Handmaid’s Tale on steroids—and legal. We that d-u-r-a-g was the proper way to spell durag. I assumed slept on Project 2025. Let’s not sleep on this too. it was “doo-rag.” But more importantly, Blackfolk nationwide, rightly so, are taking offense to this. And what’s worse, Captain On the web Durag was created by a sister (Camille Corbett). In response to • Smart ways to bounce back financially after a job loss. the overwhelming backlash, Corbett responded, “I created the • The soundtrack of Black History: 10 songs that celebrate us. character… Captain Durag… and I’m just finding out people are • Super Neighborhoods protect, improve quality of life.

Civics ed overhaul

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DN News

| 3

Erica Lee Carter, the daughter of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, named the next Harris County Administrator.

Residents protest proposed gas station in Third Ward

By ReShonda Tate

Residents in Third Ward are organizing to oppose a proposed gas station and convenience store, arguing the project would increase crime, strain aging infrastructure and disrupt the character of their historic neighborhood.

The development is planned near the Riverside Terrace community. Many residents say they only recently became aware of the proposal and are now mobilizing to prevent it from moving forward.

State Rep. Jolanda Jones said her office recently learned of the proposed project and began reaching out to city officials.

Jones said she contacted the mayor’s office, members of the Houston City Council and the city’s planning committee to gather information and develop a strategy.

“We have worked hard to make this neighborhood where people want to be,” Jones said.

She questioned whether a similar project would move forward in more affluent parts of the city.

“Take this ‘sto’ (store) and put it in River Oaks and see how the city protects River Oaks from stuff like this,” she said.

Jones also raised concerns about the public notice process, saying a required sign announcing the proposed property change was removed.

“They had their notice up. And within days, they had taken their little sign down,” she said.

“They are supposed to have it up continuously.”

Houston City Council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents District D, said she has contacted the mayor about the development.

Residents in Houston’s Third Ward are pushing back against a proposed gas station and convenience store, saying the development would bring more crime, environmental risks and unwanted traffic to a historic neighborhood. Credit: Facebook

“We have some environmental issues that we are very concerned about, and we also don’t see the need for a gas station when there are two right down the street,” Evans-Shabazz said.

She said the mayor told her he would consult with the planning commission to better understand the proposal. Evans-Shabazz added that she is concerned about potential crime and loitering near the site.

“You have a funeral home across the street, you have a strip center — but certainly my concern is attracting crime and homeless and people who tend to come and stay around these establishments,” she said.

Evans-Shabazz urged property owners

considering selling land in the area to work with her office and neighbors to better understand who may be purchasing property.

Community leaders say the proposal raises broader concerns about preserving the neighborhood’s legacy.

Sharon Evans Brooks, president of the Riverside Terrace Civic Club, which represents more than 1,000 households, said residents worry about long-term consequences.

“Developers who do not care about our legacy only seek to build businesses to erect make money, step away, leaving owners to hold the bag for vagrancy, drug sales, prostitution, noise, trash and God knows what,” Brooks said. “This isn’t what I’ve heard — this

is what I’ve seen. It’s what I’ve witnessed.”

Tomaro Bell, president of the MacGregor Super Neighborhood and former chair of the Super Neighborhood Alliance, cited concerns about aging infrastructure and the installation of underground fuel tanks.

“The amount of depth that you have to put a tank in the ground with gas, with this aged infrastructure that is here, who is to say you won’t take out the whole neighborhood?”

Bell said.

Neighbors weigh in.

Al Green removed from State of the Union after Trump protest Defender News Service

In a moment that will be etched into this chapter of American politics, Houston’s own Rep. Al Green was escorted out of the chamber Tuesday night — just minutes into President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

Green stood near the front, silent but unyielding, holding a sign that read: “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES!” The message was a direct rebuke of a racist video Trump shared earlier this month depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes — a post the president deleted, but never apologized for.

Before Trump even entered the chamber, some Republican lawmakers demanded Green lower the sign. Others attempted to snatch it from his hands. He did not budge.

Less than two minutes into Trump’s speech — as the president proclaimed America was “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before” — Green was removed from the floor.

Other Democrats spoke out during the speech but were not removed. Meanwhile, dozens skipped the address altogether, attending a “People’s State of the Union” rally instead — signaling what many describe as extraordinary times demanding extraordinary responses.

As Houston’s Black newspaper of record, we understand the weight of protest in the face of disrespect. Green’s act was not random. It was rooted in a long tradition of resistance — of refusing to let dehumanization slide quietly into the record.

The question now isn’t just about decorum.

U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) protests as President Donald Trump arrives to deliver the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on February 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Credit: Getty

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DN Feature Houston preserves historic Black churches, landmarks

By Tannistha Sinha

Two historic Black churches that have anchored their neighborhoods for generations are now officially Houston protected landmarks.

As development reshapes Houston’s neighborhoods, city leaders have stepped in to preserve parts of the city’s past.

The City Council advanced these designations that preservationists say reflect both Houston’s changing neighborhoods and the communities that built them.

Among the newly designated sites are two historically Black churches: The Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Third Ward and the Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in the Heights.

Others include historic homes, such as two early 20th-century houses on Alamo Street, a Tudor Revival home on Milford Street known as West Edgemont’s Dream House, and the Alan and Hattie Green House near Rice University.

Houston leaders approved new landmark protections for sites tied to Black history, including the Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church (in photo). Credit: Nisha Harris

Honoring communities of the past

Buildings serve as community anchors

For Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, whose district includes Greater Rose Hill, the vote was about honoring institutions that have long anchored Black Houston.

“The church has been there for a long time… before I was an adult,” Evans-Shabazz said. “It’s warranted that we honor our historic buildings and institutions.”

She noted that preserving historically Black churches is also about protecting culture.

These places have always served as really important community anchors. Now a lot of congregations are getting smaller, but this will ensure that the buildings at least will remain as reminders of the history of the neighborhood and the community.”

EMILY ARDOIN

Emily Ardoin, preservation services director at Preservation Houston, said the church’s designation comes at a critical moment.

“These are both in neighborhoods that are seeing a lot of rapid change,” Ardoin said of Rose Hill and Pleasant Hill.

Around Greater Rose Hill, she noted, vacant lots and older buildings are increasingly being replaced by new development.

Historic institutions like churches, she said, help keep neighborhoods recognizable as they evolve.

Properties like Riverside Hospital in the area are significant to the history of both the Black and medical communities in Houston.

It was the first nonprofit hospital for Black patients and provided a place for Black physicians to work, who were not allowed to admit patients to the “Black Wards” of Houston’s other hospitals.

“These places have always served as really important community anchors,” Ardoin said. “Now a lot of congregations are getting smaller, but this will ensure that

the buildings at least will remain as reminders of the history of the neighborhood and the community.”

Pastors welcome the move

Valgene Holmes, pastor at the Greater Rose Hill Baptist Church, said the designation is deeply meaningful, especially at a time when he believes history is being erased in other ways.

“They’re changing the books that we read… They want to put that under a rug and say that’s not important,” Holmes said. “Yes, it is important… That’s part of who we are. That’s part of who the United States is. And you can’t cover it up like that.”

Holmes sees the landmark status as one way to make sure the church’s legacy and the broader Black history it represents cannot be ignored.

Across town at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, members are also celebrating.

Pastor James Hunter Jr. said the designation gives the church “a sense of security.”

While new condos have risen nearby, he believes the century-old landmark plaque will draw

Church leaders view the designations as a stand against cultural erasure and a commitment to legacy. Credit: Pastor James Hunter, Jr, Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church

attention to the church’s history rather than overshadow it.

He added that the congregation is focused on restoration.

A history steeped in culture

Beyond the churches, the designations also highlight the city’s immigrant and architectural history.

Ardoin said the two houses on Alamo Street were built by Sicilian

immigrants, and one later housed a Greek immigrant when that area had a strong Greek presence.

The Milford Street home stands out as a Tudor Revival example and is tied to an early neighborhood marketing campaign run through a naming contest in the Houston Post.

Under Houston’s preservation ordinance, protected landmark status comes with strong safeguards.

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 19 - FEBRUARY 26, 2026 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Content Manager Terrance Harris Community Reporter Aswad Walker

Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2026 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288

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DN Education

TEA is being called out for unduly targeting poorer school districts of color for takeover. Credit: Gemini AI.

Texas school takeovers spotlight

Poverty, race, accountability “Not everybody gets a hot breakfast and mom taking them to school,” said Bottelberghe.

Additionally, students of color face disciplinary attacks on their natural hairstyles.

Most have endured lessons that downplay or ignore their history. Many have reported incidents of overt racism.

“What good is it to have moderately improved reading levels that come from a state takeover when the children are being called the N-word every day and cannot have a peaceful environment in which they learn and seek to grow?” said Andrew Hairston, director of Texas Appleseed’s Education Justice Project.

By Gregory Stevenson

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) last year moved to take over four school districts after six campuses received failing grades for five consecutive years, triggering a state mandate that allows the education commissioner to close schools or replace locally elected leadership.

The six campuses share striking similarities. Between 80% and 97% of students come from low-income households, far above the state average. Black and Hispanic students make up nearly all enrolled children, and large portions of students are considered at high risk of dropping out.

District interventions

Under a 2015 accountability law, Education Commissioner Mike Morath must intervene when a school earns five straight F ratings. Since taking office in 2016, Morath has ordered two Mike Morath. campus closures Credit: OneStar and seven disFoundation. trict takeovers, arguing that persistent failure reflects ineffective governance that denies students a

Differing conclusions

Houston ISD state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles touts the takeover for improving HISD outcomes. Credit: Tannistha Sinha.

quality education.

Morath announced plans to replace school boards and appoint new leadership in Fort Worth, Beaumont, Connally, and Lake Worth. Beaumont and Connally each had two campuses that met the takeover threshold. Morath said the districts failed to make effective changes and showed widespread academic underperformance beyond the trigger schools.

Critics cite poverty, inequality

Critics argue the accountability system disproportionately targets districts serving low-income Black and Hispanic students while overlooking deeper inequities tied to poverty, segregation, and limited resources.

Connally ISD Superintendent Jill Bottelberghe said many students face housing instability, transportation barriers, or must care for themselves at home.

TEA officials maintain that the A–F system fairly measures academic outcomes. An F rating means at least 65% of tested students scored below grade level.

While social factors matter, agency leaders say chronic academic failure requires intervention.

Houston ISD, taken over in 2023, is cited

by TEA as proof that state control can raise test scores.

Critics counter that teacher turnover, community distrust, and sustainability concerns remain unresolved. National research shows that takeovers most often affect high-poverty districts, with mixed academic results.

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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB InFocus UH POLL

Primary races take shape Undecided voters could decide March outcomes

The UH survey found that both candidates are well known and broadly viewed favorably, with 80% likely Democratic primary voters viewing Menefee favorably, compared to 79% for Green.

• CD-2: 4% • CD-18: 74% • CD-29: 24% • CD-38: <1% All likely voters live in Harris County.

Question: Per the poll, who are the voters? (population of Democratic primary likely voters)

Race: • Black likely voters: 62% of the population of Democratic primary likely voters • White likely voters: 22% • Latino likely voters: 10% • Others: 4% Gender: • Women: 62% • Men: 38% Age: • Age 55 and older: 65% • Ages 35-54: 25% • Ages 18-34: 10% Education: • With a four-year college degree: 43% • Without a four-year college degree: 57% Political leaning: • Democrats: 76% • Republicans: 3% • Independents: 15% • Others: 5%, unsure: 1%

W

By Tannistha Sinha

ith early voting for the March 3 primary already u n d e r w a y, a massive block of undecided voters could hold the keys to Harris County’s political future. New data from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs reveals that while some frontrunners have emerged, a wave of “unsure” ballots - as high as 82% in some races - could trigger a series of chaotic May runoffs.

The surveys, which targeted likely primary voters based on their participation in the 2022 and 2024 cycles, paint a picture of an electorate that is engaged but deeply divided or still doing its homework.

Brandon Rottinghaus, associate professor of political science at the University of Houston, said primaries tend to bring out the “most committed voters” rather than a broad and representative sample of voters.

“It’s a very different type of voter who votes in a primary than in a general election,” Rottinghaus said. “If you have more people voting in primaries, then you would certainly see a change in terms of who gets nominated.

The undecideds and non-voters have got a significant say in the process if they choose to participate.”

He added there could be runoffs for the Republican races, but not for the Democratic ones, “given the nature of the kind of candidates running.”

Congressional District 18: Menefee holds small lead In the Democratic primary for the new Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Congressman Christian Menefee leads Congressman Al Green by seven percentage points (43% to 36%), with the remaining voters split between Amanda Edwards, Gretchen Brown and undecided voters.

Where they live now (the districts created by the Texas Legislature in 2021)

Where they live now (the districts created by the Texas Legislature in 2021)

• CD-9: 64% • CD-18: 28% • CD-29: 6% • CD-22, CD-7: 1% The voters are also divided between two counties: Harris County (74%) and Fort Bend County (26%).

Undecided voters could determine the outcome of races in 2026. Credit: AI

Congressional District 29: Garcia ahead, racial divides evident In the Democratic primary for Congressional District 29, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia leads former state Rep. Jarvis Johnson 46% to 27%, with 25% undecided and Robert Slater at 2%.

The poll shows stark differences by race.

Garcia leads Johnson among white and Latino voters. Johnson, however, leads Garcia among Black voters.

Garcia is viewed favorably by 70% of likely voters, while 45% have a favorable opinion of Johnson.

However, four out of 10 voters say they do not know enough about Johnson to form an opinion.

Menefee

Green

Question: Per the poll, who are the voters? (population of Democratic primary likely voters)

Race: • Black likely voters: 43% of the population of Democratic primary likely voters • White likely voters: 30% • Latino likely voters: 24% • Others: 3% Gender: • Women: 60% • Men: 39% Age: • Age 55 and older: 64% • Ages 35-54: 26% • Ages 18-34: 10% Education: • With a four-year college degree: 40% • Without a four-year college degree: 60% Political leaning: • Democrats: 71% • Republicans: 6% • Independents: 17% • Others: 5% • Unsure: 1%

Congressional District 9: Most voters undecided The Democratic primary for Congressional District 9 remains wide open.

Six out of 10 likely voters say they are unsure whom they will support.

Leticia Gutierrez leads with 24%, followed

by Terry Virts and Earnest Clayton at 5% each, Todd Ivey and Marty Rocha at 2% each, and Peter Filler at 1%.

Name recognition remains low across the field.

Nearly two-thirds of voters say they do not know enough about Gutierrez to have an opinion, and a majority (>80%) say the same about the other candidates.

Harris County: Democratic County Judge race In the Harris County Democratic primary for county judge, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker leads Letitia Plummer 46% to 25%, with Matt Salazar at 5% and 24% undecided.

The race shows clear racial divides.

Parker leads among white and Latino voters, while Plummer leads among Black voters.

Congressional District 29 (Democratic Primary): Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia holds an advantage over former state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, with sharp racial divides shaping the race. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Houston Defender.

The survey also found that Parker is viewed favorably by 61% of likely voters, compared to 42% for Plummer.

On the Republican side, more than half the likely GOP primary voters remain undecided in the county judge race.

Orlando Sanchez leads with 21%, followed

by Marty Lancton at 10% and Aliza Dutt at 7%.

Harris County: County Attorney and other races The Democratic primary for Harris County attorney remains unsettled.

Six out of 10 likely voters are unsure, per the UH survey.

Abbie Kamin receives 26% support, and Audrie Lawton Evans 13%.

Large majorities say they do not know enough about either candidate to form an opinion.

Uncertainty also dominates the Democratic primaries for the Harris County Democratic Party Chair and District Clerk.

Nearly eight out of 10 voters are unsure whom to vote for in these races.

The Republican primary for County Clerk shows a similar pattern. Two-thirds of likely voters are undecided. Mike Wolfe leads with 20%, while Lynda Sanchez receives 14%, indicating that the race remains fluid with significant room for movement.

In the races for Harris County Treasurer and Harris County Republican Party Chair, uncertainty looms large, with a majority of Republican primary voters unsure.

U.S. Senate: Close contest in Harris County In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate among Harris County voters, Jasmine Crockett leads James Talarico 45% to 43%, with 1% supporting Ahmad Hassan and 11% undecided.

Support splits sharply by race.

Talarico leads among white and Latino voters, while Crockett holds a substantial lead among Black voters.

At the statewide level, Harris County voters will play a role in the Texas U.S. Senate Republican primary.

Among likely Harris County GOP primary voters, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn leads with 32%, ahead of Ken Paxton at 27% and Wesley Hunt at 25%.

The Senate race features clearer frontrunners than county-level contests, though support varies across demographic groups.

8 | February 26, 2026 |

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DN InFocus MARCH 3 PRIMARY

Jasmine Crockett fights for Texas Senate

By Tannistha Sinha

As the March 3 Democratic primary comes down to the wire, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, is going full-throttle to urge Texans to focus on candidate qualifications and turnout.

She is running against State Rep. James Talarico and Ahmad Hassan from the Democratic Party, and John Cornyn (seeking his fifth term), Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Anna Bender, U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, Virgil John Bierschwale, John O. Adefope, Sara Canady, and Gulrez “Gus” Khan from the Republican Party.

Crockett emphasized that Texas is a “majority minority state” and argued that her identity should not be seen as someone whose clips go viral, but one who works behind the scenes.

“When we got into this race, I knew that I couldn’t just be a Black woman who was qualified; in fact, the most qualified for the position,” Crockett said. “I knew that was never gonna be enough…I haven’t asked for anybody to vote for me just because I’m Black or a woman.”

Meanwhile, her Democratic opponent, State Rep. James Talarico, has been running on bridging the divide between the country’s rich and poor.

“The biggest divide in our country is not left versus right. It’s top versus bottom,” he said on his campaign. “The people at the top work so hard to keep us angry and divided because our unity is a threat to their wealth and their power…But we will not be conquered.”

The race

Crockett, who has been battling negative ads and campaign spending, urged Houston voters to turn out.

“First of all, Houstonians just need to vote,” she told the Defender.

Crockett contrasted the name recognition built through work against Talarico.

She also took a shot at her primary opponent, Talarico, over a donor’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Filings with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) show that billionaire AI investor Reid Hoffman has contributed to Talarico’s Super PAC. “It’s one thing if your friends show up and they show up to uplift you,” Crockett added.

“But frankly, it’s clear that they don’t think that that’s enough in order to win. You have to ask yourself why…If people start to follow the money, they will realize the various levels of threats that I present.”

News outlets reported that Crockett also pledged not to have taken corporate PAC money, but transferred such funds from her House campaign to her Senate run, reported The Intercept.

Meanwhile, Talarico positions himself as a progressive Christian Democrat, using his faith and experience as a former teacher to oppose Christian nationalism and fight for working-class Texans against “billionaire donors”.

“Love thy neighbor regardless of race or gender or sexual orientation or immigration status or religious affiliation,” he said on Real Time With Bill Maher. “In Texas, I’m constantly battling Christian nationalism…And I always speak up on behalf of my Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, agnostic, and atheist neighbors. Because we as Christians are called to love them as ourselves, and forcing my religion down their throats is not love.”

Issues: affordability and accountability

Crockett said she centered her campaign on “affordability and accountability,” saying those are the two issues that matter most to Texans. She pointed to

concerns about jobs, health care, housing, and education costs, while criticizing federal health care cuts and economic policies she says hurt working families.

“I have the resume,” she said. “I’ve been a small business owner, a state lawmaker...

The job is to write laws.”

Crockett also pointedly asked, “My opponent has been an official longer than I have. What exactly had you been fighting for because you’ve been elected longer than I have?”

Talarico is running on addressing corruption, taxes and cost of living, public education, and health care, among others.

“Right now, we have politicians in Congress with ‘Christ follower’ in their Twitter bios, but they are kicking the sick off their healthcare,” he said on CNN. “It is estimated that 51,000 Americans will die needlessly because of Republicans’ health care cuts.

That’s 51,000 flesh and blood human beings. That’s a moral crime.”

The money question

Campaign finance has become a central theme in the race.

Based on the

EL PASO-FEBUURARY 21: James Talarico speaks to supporters at the Fire Fighters Hall Feb. 21, 2026 in El Paso, Texas. Democratic Senatorial candidate Talarico faces Dallas Congreswoman Jasmine Crockett in the March 3 primary. Credit: Alberto Silva Fernandez/Getty Images

latest FEC reports, Talarico has raised more money than Crockett in this race.

Talarico raised more than $2.5 million for his campaign within 24 hours after his interview with Stephen Colbert, which was shared on YouTube. The episode did not air during his television broadcast.

Crockett said it provided him with an advantage in his fundraising endeavours.

I’ve been a small business owner, a state lawmaker.

I also practice law, both in Texas, Arkansas state and in federal courts. The job is to write laws. The job is to deal with any of these people who think that they are entitled to an appointment, especially the judges.”

JASMINE CROCKETT Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett frames the race as a choice between record and fundraising power as early voting continues ahead of the March 3 primary. Credit: Getty Images

February 26, 2026 |

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DN Profile

Acynthia Villery Breaks barriers, preserves rodeo’s history

By Laura Onyeneho

Acynthia Villery stands as the first African American female professional rodeo announcer with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

But long before she made history behind the mic, she was a little girl in Beaumont riding from backyard rodeos to trail rides across Southeast Texas, absorbing a culture that shaped her identity.

A third-generation rodeo woman, Villery grew up watching her grandfather and two uncles compete and organize. Two of them helped establish one of the first all-Black rodeo associations. Another uncle worked as a rodeo secretary and announcer, roles she would later hold herself.“I was going to rodeos in my mother’s womb,” she said.

“This is in my blood.”

Her earliest memories are of informal rodeos held on family land, where spectators sat on truck beds if there were no bleachers.

Those gatherings were proof of a Black Western tradition often erased from mainstream history.

Villery began traveling with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in the late 1980s.

Nearly 39 years later, she remains one of its most recognizable voices. But her path to the announcer’s stand was not immediate.

For almost 30 years, she worked behind the scenes as a rodeo secretary, managing prize money, standings, and competitor records.

Those years built the foundation for the voice audiences now hear.

“To be a great announcer, you have to know the stats. You have to know the contestants,” she said. “You need to understand their stories.”

Valeria Howard-Cunningham, CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, said Villery’s leadership was evident early on. Her late husband, rodeo founder Lu Vason, first brought Villery into the fold.

“He loved her spirit and her passion,” Howard-Cunningham said. “She wanted to learn. She wanted to get involved. And she wasn’t a person to take no.”

Villery served as Vason’s personal secretary, office manager, and coordinator. Howard-Cunningham described her as a trusted problem solver, someone who stepped up when sponsorship presentations and public-facing opportunities arose.

When the idea of her attending announcer school surfaced, Howard-Cunningham encouraged it.

“She would be very good at it,” she recalled

We were Black cowboys before it became trendy. I don’t want people to just come. I need them to pay attention.”

ACYNTHIA VILLERY

Acynthia Villery has been a prominent voice of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo since she started traveling with it in the late 1980s. Credit: Acynthia Villery

telling Villery.

Howard-Cunningham was right.

Now co-announcing alongside veteran Marcus Friday, Villery has steadily expanded her role. Last year, she solo-announced a youth rodeo, a moment Howard-Cunningham said signaled the next chapter.

“Being first is something nobody can take away from you,” Howard-Cunningham said.

“She has made history.”

Professional rodeo announcing remains white male-dominated. While women may commentate on specific events, few announce full professional rodeos. Villery’s goal is to change that.

“My goal is to break the glass ceiling,” she said. “Somebody has to step out and say it can be done.”

She is currently pursuing her card with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, widely regarded as the highest credential in the sport. The rigorous process includes recommendations, live evaluations, and multiple approved rodeos before full membership is granted. Only two African American men currently hold that distinction. No Black women do.

“One in four cowboys were Black,” she said. “But when you look at Hollywood, they didn’t write us into the scripts.”

She frequently references figures such as Bass Reeves, the formerly enslaved lawman believed to have inspired the Lone Ranger.

Educating audiences about those legacies is just as important as calling the next bull ride.

In addition to announcing, Villery manages the rodeo’s social media platforms, highlighting past champions and sharing Black Western history. She is also developing a podcast and book to document stories she believes must be preserved.

“We were Black cowboys before it became trendy,” she said. “I don’t want people to just come. I need them to pay attention.”

10 | February 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

JORDYN MARSHALL Thrives close to home at Texas Southern

By Terrance Harris

After spending three years playing basketball at the University of California-Riverside, Jordyn Marshall couldn’t help but feel like she needed more.

The Manvel product wanted more playing time, more freedom on the court, and more time with her family. She found the opportunity this past offseason with Vernette Skeete and the Texas Southern University women’s basketball program.

Marshall smiles broadly as she thinks about how much life has changed for the better.

“I was looking for somewhere close to home. I live like 30 minutes down the street,” said the senior from Pearland. “My family, my dog is out there. My siblings, my mom and dad and now my grandma lives out here, too.

“So, somewhere close to home, and this was the perfect spot.”

In many ways, Marshall and the Tigers have been exactly what both needed. Marshall had a strong desire to be close to home and family. The Tigers needed a shooter who could hit from long range.

It’s been the perfect union.

“It’s pretty fun,” Marshall said. “I appreciate it because I wasn’t really confident in myself at my previous school. But when I got here, everybody allowed me to be me.

It’s different.”

Marshall was a last-minute signee of UC Riverside when the Highlanders’ point guard transferred. She was committed to Trinity Valley Community College when UC Riverside assistant coach Sean LeBeauf called with a Division I offer.

TSU has provided me resources to further my career outside of basketball, which is what I didn’t have at my old school.”

JORDYN MARSHALL

Senior point guard Jordyn Marshall has been the offensive spark the Texas Southern Tigers have needed this season, whether coming off the bench or in the starting lineup. Credit: TSU Athletics

But after three seasons of limited playing opportunities and little ability to be herself on the court, Marshall realized it was time to move on. LeBeauf was also on his way to Rutgers.

Marshall, however, says it was a rough go for her really from the start until the end of last season, when she appeared in 30 games but averaged just 12 minutes per game.

“It was kind of hard for me to adjust to the college playing style and the pace, and then I broke my hand. So, the season ended for me kind of early,” she said. “I didn’t play from January through the rest of the season, so that kind of stinted my confidence. It was my shooting hand, so I was just in my head.

My confidence was really low, and I never really got it back up.”

Things are very different at TSU. Not only is she playing a lot and contributing to the Tigers’ success, but Marshall has found a coaching staff that believes in her and allows her freedom to make mistakes and grow her game.

It’s been a refreshing reset.

“I was looking for growth. I felt like at my last school, I wasn’t getting anywhere,”

said Marshall, a 5-foot-5 point guard. “I definitely improved on the court and off the court. TSU has provided me resources to further my career outside of basketball, which is what I didn’t have at my old school.”

Marshall has rewarded Skeete and her coaching staff by being an effective ball handler, reliable defender and someone who can knock down shots from beyond the arc. She is second on the team in 3-point shooting, averaging nearly 32% for the season. Marshall also leads the team with an 80% average from the free-throw line.

Marshall gave the Tigers the outside shooting spark they needed in a recent win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. She converted five 3-pointers and led the Tigers with 29 points.

Marshall was recognized as the SWAC’s Impact Player of the Week after leading the league in scoring during wins over UAPB and Mississippi Valley State during that home swing. For the two games, Marshall averaged 22 points and shot 50% from the field.

“None of us are surprised at what Jordyn does,” said Skeete, whose team is 9-18 overall

and 5-10 in SWAC play. “She does it day in and day out.”

Marshall credits the coaching staff for the confidence it has given her in the months they have been together.

“Since everyone has gotten here, they have given us a blueprint of what we need to do X, Y, and Z,” she said. “They will get in the gym with us anytime and help get us better.”

The same enthusiasm is extended to her new teammates, many of whom are also new to the program. It took them a while to get used to each other during the gauntlet of a non-conference schedule. But now they are meshing well.

“It’s been good. I love my team,” Marshall said. “I thought it was going to be hard to adjust to a new team because I was with my old team for three years, and we were close.

But it was really easy to come here.”

As a result, Marshall’s belief in herself and her game has grown immensely. Those closest to her see it, as well.

“I feel more confident,” Marshall said.

“My family sees that I’m more confident.

They feel like I have a little more umph to me. They see it, and I feel it, as well.”

February 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports

MARICHA TISDELL Relishes her break-out season at Hastings

By Jimmie Aggison

Maricha Tisdell’s hands were supposed to help build her game, not tear it down.

But by the time she finished her freshman year of high school, she had already suffered two finger injuries on opposite hands, setbacks that cost her valuable development time and left her fighting to regain more than just her shot. Now, fully healthy for the first time in years, the Hastings junior isn’t just back on the court; she’s breaking out, leading the team in five statistical categories and proving that resilience can be as powerful as talent.

“I realized this season was going to be different once I was able to make a mistake and stay in the game,” said Tisdell.

This margin for error enabled Tisdell to play with greater freedom. It boosted her confidence to attempt new moves on the court, moves that previously felt intimidating due to the fear of making errors and being benched as a consequence.

Hastings girls varsity coach Corey Brotherton noticed Tisdell’s confidence grow.

“The very first game of the season,” said Brotherton. “She stepped up immediately and posted a double-double that led us to a win. Her poise and the way she competed with that level of confidence right out of the gate told me she was ready and next in line to become a Hastings Lady Bear great.”

But the player Hastings sees today was built through injuries that could’ve easily taken her love of the game away.

In eighth grade, Tisdell broke the ring finger on her left hand during a game, an injury that sidelined her for two months.

“When it happened, I knew it was broken, but I could still bend it, so I kept playing the following game. Later that night, I felt something wasn’t right, so I told my mom, and we went to the ER. That’s when I found out it was broken,” said Tisdell.

Despite the injury, Tisdell still tried to practice.

After returning to the court her freshman year, she suffered another setback, breaking the pinky finger on her right hand. This time, the injury required a cast.

“It’s hard to sit out of the game you love, watching everyone else play, knowing it should be you in the game as well,” said Tisdell. “Not being able to help the team was tough.”

When the cast came off, she expected everything to go back to normal. Instead, she stepped into the hardest part of recovery,

learning to trust herself again. After time away from the game, her shooting motion and the feel of the ball in her hands didn’t feel the same.

Missing two years of development affected her mentally and physically.

“My confidence wasn’t there,” said Tisdell.

“I felt like I wasn’t the same player and that I was playing l hesitantly h l instead d off ffreely. l ” “When she came back as a sophomore, you could see flashes of how good she could be, but she wasn’t playing as freely,” said Brotherton. “Injuries can make players hesitant, especially young ones. I’ve always told her that if she played with confidence and didn’t worry about mistakes, she could be an All-District or even All-State caliber player.”

The stats didn’t show it yet, but behind the scenes, Tisdell was laying the groundwork for the season that would change everything.

“When I realized my fingers could still get hurt, but I just needed to play through it because things happen,

Hastings’ forward Maricha Tisdell is all smiles after a dominant effort against Fort Bend Austin. Tisdell leads her team in five statistical categories this season.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison/ Defender

that’s when I decided not to let injuries define me anymore,” said Tisdell.

“This season, she finally trusted herself again, and it shows,” said Brotherton.

During the offseason, Tisdell focused on improving her post moves and ball handling.

“I trained, and when it felt like I was still catching up, the thing h that h kept k me going was God,” said Tisdell. “I prayed and trusted in his journe y. My family also reminded me of the player I am.”

“She came into her junior season with confidence earned, not given,” said Brotherton. “Our team has to meet mile-time standards in the preseason before they receive practice gear, and she was the first to meet her times. That told me everything I needed to know. She put in the work during the offseason, and when I saw that level of commitment early, I knew she was ready for a big year.”

And once she eentered the season healthy, the results didn’tt take long to show.

“With her leaading our team in points, rebounds, and bllocks, it shows her impact on both ends of tthe floor,” said Brotherton.

“We depend on h her to play well, especially in big games.”

Tisdell’s abilitty to score, rebound, and protect the rim gives g Hastings’s unit more confidence. This season, she has 30 blocks, averages 8.4 rebo ounds and 13.4 points per game, and shootts 47% from the floor and 52% from the freee-throw line.

“When she’s llocked in, her leadership and production h help carry us to wins,” said Brotherton.

“Aside from m the numbers, I’m most proud of not quitting when it felt like injuries weere all I was getting from the sportt,” said Tisdell.

But eeven as the stats stacked up, the mo ost important thing Tisdell gained wasn’t on the scoreb oard; it was resilience, patience, and maturity.

“Going through the ups and downs helped me keep going in life and brought me closer to God,” said Tisdell.

“I learned that when I put my mind to something, s I can do it.”

Now, instead of dwelling on what she lost, Tisdell is foccused on what she still has time to become.

“Maricha’s ceeiling is very high,” said Brotherton.

Two broken fingers fi slowed her down.

But the player she became because of them might be the stro ongest part of her game.

“I’m not tryin ng to prove anything to anyone but to myself,” m said Tisdell. “I want to remem mber this season as my breakout season n, when I finally played the way I knew how to play. My biggest goal is to stay humble, h trust God, and be confident wh hile leading my team to the p playoffs.” y

12 | February 26, 2026 |

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