How to Watch the Upcoming US Senate Democratic Primary Debates

Feb 17, 2026, 2:19 AM
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The Democratic primary debates for various US Senate seats are set to showcase candidates vying for key positions in their respective states. These debates provide an essential platform for candidates to articulate their policies and engage with voters ahead of the primaries.

Illinois Senate Primary Debate

In Illinois, US Rep. Robin Kelly, US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lt. Juliana Stratton are the leading candidates for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Dick Durbin, who is retiring. Their debate highlighted critical issues such as minimum wage, campaign financing, and government transparency regarding unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).
The debate took place on Fox Chicago, and all candidates expressed a desire to raise the federal minimum wage, though opinions varied on the specifics. Stratton advocated for an increase to $25 per hour, while Krishnamoorthi and Kelly suggested more moderate increases. The candidates also discussed their funding sources, with allegations of hypocrisy surrounding campaign donations from companies involved in surveillance and private prisons.

Texas Senate Primary Debate

In Texas, state Rep. James Talarico and US Rep. Jasmine Crockett are competing for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Their debate is scheduled for Saturday at the Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention in Georgetown and will be streamed across several Nexstar stations including CW33 and KXAN. This debate will occur just ahead of early voting, which starts on February 17, and is particularly significant as Democrats have not won a statewide office in Texas for over 30 years.
Candidates will address core issues affecting Texas voters, including education and civil rights, which have been central themes in their campaigns. Polling indicates a competitive race, with Talarico having a slight edge in some surveys, while others show Crockett leading by a margin of eight points.

California Senate Primary Debate

The California Senate primary features a notable debate among Democratic candidates Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff, alongside Republican Steve Garvey. This debate, held at Universal Studios in Hollywood, is particularly aimed at engaging Latino voters, a significant demographic in California politics. The candidates have stressed the importance of addressing issues that resonate with Latino communities, such as immigration reform and economic equity.
This debate is crucial as it serves as the final opportunity for candidates to persuade undecided voters before the March 5 primary. Recent polls suggest that many Latino voters remain undecided, highlighting the importance of targeted outreach and engagement as the election nears.

How to Watch

For those interested in tuning into these debates, they will be broadcasted across various local stations and online platforms. The Illinois debate can be viewed on Fox Chicago, while the Texas debate will be streamed on Nexstar stations at 2 pm on Saturday. California's debate will be available on NBC4 and Telemundo 52, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience of voters.

Conclusion

These debates represent a pivotal moment in the Democratic primary process, providing candidates the chance to define their platforms and connect with voters on pressing issues. As the primaries approach, voters are encouraged to watch these debates to make informed decisions about their candidates. With critical topics such as wage policies, campaign financing, and immigration reform at stake, the outcomes could significantly influence the political landscape in each state leading up to the general elections.

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