Jasmine Crockett reveals 'real conversation' with Kamala Harris influenced her Texas Senate run

DALLAS, TEXAS: During an appearance on the 'Native Land Pod' podcast aired Wednesday, December 24, Rep Jasmine Crockett discussed speaking with former Vice President Kamala Harris.

She said the conversation focused on her decision to run for the Texas seat and that Harris had significant influence on that decision.

Crockett announced her Senate run later this month, entering the race on the final day of qualifying in Texas. 

Jasmine Crockett’s Senate run and Kamala Harris’s influence

During the interview, host Angela Rye asked Crockett, “So what are the kinds of conversations you're having and who are you talking to about what it's like to run statewide?”

Crockett then explained that before embarking on her Senate campaign, she had conversations with Harris, which she described as important and influential.

Crockett emphasized that she “wasn’t going to make this decision without having some real conversations with the Vice President.”

Crockett also referenced Harris’s extensive experience running for office in multiple states, noting that she “didn’t just run in one state. She’s run in a lot of states, right?”

The congresswoman further described Harris as more than a political figure as someone who "remains a mentor and a friend and an auntie of sorts,"

She further joked, “Even though I'm technically auntie status now. Um, that hurts when that happens. When that change comes, Jazz, it's cold.”

Crockett then said, “Um, but you know, like talking to the vice president, it is, it’s tough because she looks at me, um, like I am family.”

She is seeking the Senate seat held by Republican John Cornyn, who is running for reelection in the GOP dominated state.

Jasmine Crockett highlights safety concerns in Senate campaign

In addition to Harris’s influence on her decision to run, Crockett said that some of her allies have expressed concern about her safety while she pursues the Senate seat.

According to Crockett’s account, Harris and others have shared their worry and urged Crockett to prioritize safety as she campaigns.

She added that she was also speaking with members of the US Senate about her campaign, highlighting one unnamed senator who warned her to take precautions.

"There is one member who was like, ‘I think you can do it. Like, I have no doubts,’" Crockett said. 

She further said, "And that particular member said, 'My biggest concern is your safety. If you tell me that you are going to take all the precautions that you need to take, then go for it. But I don't want you to become a sacrificial lamb.'"

"I can tell you that the former vice president in a very similar vein is, like, 'The country needs you. I'm going to need you to make sure that you're as safe as possible,'" Crockett said.

Crockett told host that after starting her campaign, she was arranging to be fitted for a bulletproof vest, emphasizing that she wouldn’t run without it.