A Texas Democratic candidate is making a populist case against inequality and "crony capitalism" as she runs to become Texas's first Democratic senator since 1988, which is bad news for entrenched incumbents and good news for voters angry about the cost of living.

• She argues the system is rigged for the ultra-rich while ordinary Texans, including children, struggle in poverty.
• She accuses the Texas governor of corruption and ties her campaign to her working-class, faith-driven upbringing.
• She says many Texans backed Trump hoping for lower costs, an end to foreign wars, and the release of the Epstein files, but says those promises remain unmet.
• She acknowledges the Biden administration mishandled the southern border, showing she's willing to break from party lines.

Outlook: Her race is being watched as a test of whether a populist, anti-corruption message can flip a long-held red Senate seat.