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- Jasmine Crockett launches Senate bid (abcnews.go.com)
Rep. Jasmine Crockett Throws Hat into Texas Senate Race, Setting Up Fiery Democratic Primary
DALLAS, TX – Representative Jasmine Crockett, a prominent progressive voice representing Texas’ 30th congressional district, officially announced her bid for the U.S. Senate on Monday. This move ignites a competitive Democratic primary against a rising party star and further reshapes a political landscape already in flux due to the state’s recent congressional redistricting.
Speaking to supporters in Dallas, Crockett exuded confidence in her ability to secure a statewide victory for Democrats in Texas, emphasizing her desire to confront President Donald Trump as a U.S. Senator.
“There’s a responsibility that lies with all of us, especially in this moment,” Crockett told the enthusiastic crowd. “There are a lot of people that said, ‘You got to stay in the House.
We need our voice. We need you there.'”
She continued, “I understand, but what we need is for me to have a bigger voice. What we need is not only a voice, but we need to make sure that we are going to stop all the hell that is raining down on all of our people.”
Crockett refrained from directly naming her primary opponent, State Representative James Talarico, who has garnered national attention for his integration of Christianity with Democratic politics and his vocal stance during last summer’s walkout by Democratic state legislators in an attempt to block the new congressional map.
Talarico, for his part, welcomed Crockett’s entry into the race. “We’re building a movement in Texas… Our movement is rooted in unity over division – so we welcome Congresswoman Crockett into this race,” he stated in a Monday release.
Addressing the inherent challenges of winning a statewide race in Texas, Crockett underscored the importance of unity, framing her campaign as focused on the needs of Texans rather than personal ambition or the potential for splitting the Democratic vote.
“Many people have asked, and all of us wonder, can we win this race in November? I’m here to say, yes, we can.
I’m also here to say it’s not if we can, but if we will, if we will get out and knock the doors… will we come together as one? This isn’t about me or them.
It’s about you and us,” she asserted. “This is not about ambition.
It’s not about my ambition. It’s about yours, your hopes and your dreams, and a government that has your back.”
While avoiding her primary challenger by name, Crockett did not hesitate to target a potential general election opponent: incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn. Despite a history of collaboration on legislation, Crockett criticized Cornyn as “business as usual,” declaring her frustration with his perceived acceptance of administration actions she believes harm Americans.
When asked to respond to Crockett’s comments on Fox News’ “America Reports” on Tuesday, Senator Cornyn expressed skepticism about her ability to exceed the 42% of the vote secured by Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Crockett also delivered a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump, telling her supporters, “I’m done watching the American dream on life support while Trump tries to pull the plug. The gloves have been off, and now I’m jumping into the ring.” She specifically criticized Trump’s push for Texas to redraw its congressional map mid-decade, a move that Republicans delivered on and which analysts believe could flip three to five seats.
Crockett shared that the redistricting efforts, promoted by Trump, drew her out of her home district, but affirmed it wouldn’t deter her. “I’m here to tell you, Donald Trump, you won’t get rid of me that easily.
I’m not going away. I’m not giving up.
I still believe in this country. I still believe that we are in the land of opportunity,” she declared.
Crockett’s announcement came on the final day for filing in the 2026 primaries, which have been significantly impacted by the redistricting. The political landscape has seen other shifts, including Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett’s announcement of retirement and other members running in newly drawn districts.
Former U.S. Rep.
Colin Allred, who was previously campaigning for Senate, stated Monday that a “bruising Senate Democratic primary” would divide the party. He subsequently announced a bid for the newly redrawn 33rd congressional district, a move that drew criticism from incumbent U.S.
Rep. Julie Johnson, who is also running in that district.
Without naming Allred, Johnson’s statement read, “This new district deserves representation that has been present in the tough moments, including throughout the redistricting fight, instead of parachuting back when another campaign doesn’t work out.”
Republicans, meanwhile, quickly seized on Crockett’s entry into the Senate race, portraying it as evidence that Democrats will struggle to field a viable statewide candidate. The GOP faces its own contentious primary, with Senator Cornyn, backed by the party establishment, fending off challenges from State Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S.
Rep. Wesley Hunt.
All three Republican candidates have asserted their superior qualifications for Texas and their strong support for Trump.
Cornyn’s campaign team posted on X, “AOC has a new ally in Congress. She found one from Texas. Jasmine Crockett stands with this squad.”
Paxton used Crockett’s announcement to criticize Cornyn, writing on X, “I’m sure John Cornyn is deeply upset his ‘dance partner’ Crazy Crockett is running, but that won’t stop him from trying to force the national GOP to light $100 million on fire to save his failing campaign. He’s willing to risk the Senate Majority to protect his fragile ego.”
Hunt also weighed in on X, stating, “Welcome to the show, Jasmine Crockett. The next Senator from Texas must be able to stand on their record, their resume, and their accomplishments. I’m ready to have that debate every single day.”
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