Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a two-term Democrat from Dallas known for her fast-rising national profile and combative style, launched a bid for U.S. Senate on Monday, abruptly reshaping the Democratic primary to challenge Republican Sen. John Cornyn next year.
Crockett’s entrance comes just ahead of the state’s candidate filing deadline and after months of speculation that she might forgo a reelection bid in her redrawn House district. Her Dallas-based seat was significantly altered during the GOP-led mid-decade redistricting process, prompting conversations inside Democratic circles about her political future.
Speaking to supporters at her campaign kickoff, Crockett said she weighed pressure to remain in the House but ultimately concluded she could play a larger role in the Senate. “What we need is a bigger voice,” she said, rolling out her campaign slogan, “Texas Tough.”
Crockett cast herself as the Democrat most capable of energizing voters who have grown disillusioned with both parties, promising to build “a strong multiracial, multigenerational coalition.” She vowed to focus on rising costs, protecting voting rights and “holding President Donald Trump accountable.”
Democrats have not won a statewide race in Texas in more than three decades, but they view Cornyn as potentially vulnerable as he faces his own contentious Republican primary against state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. Both parties expect heavy turnout, and the likelihood of a March 3 runoff looms on both sides unless a candidate wins more than 50%.
Crockett’s jump into the race prompted former Rep. Colin Allred to end his own Senate bid earlier Monday. Allred said a “bruising” Democratic primary would weaken the party heading into a high-stakes general election.
Republicans, meanwhile, welcomed Crockett’s announcement, signaling they intend to frame her as too liberal for the state. Cornyn responded by calling her “radical, theatrical and ineffective,” while his campaign circulated a video highlighting her previous controversial comments. Paxton referred to her as “Crazy Jasmine Crockett,” predicting she would lose in November.
Crockett dismissed the criticism during her launch speech, labeling Cornyn a “cowering” politician unwilling to stand up to Trump. “I can tell y’all who does,” she said. “I do.”
Crockett enters the race with substantial fundraising capacity. Her House campaign ended the quarter with $4.6 million on hand, money she can transfer to a Senate run. Her lone Democratic opponent, state Rep. James Talarico, raised $6.3 million last quarter and said he welcomes a contested primary.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder said he expects the race to be one of the most expensive primaries in state history, calling it a sign of “a healthy party” attempting to mobilize low-propensity voters.
Crockett closed her announcement by taking aim at Trump directly, saying, “You’re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. You better get to work ’cause I’m coming for you.”
