Texas Dem Jasmine Crockett challenges Trump in Senate run announcement: 'I’m coming for you'

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Jasmine Crockett jumped into the Texas Senate race on Monday, December 8, just hours before the filing deadline.

She will face fellow Democrat, state Rep James Talarico of Austin, in a bid to challenge longtime Republican Senator John Cornyn, who has held the seat since 2002. Crockett’s high-profile entry injects fresh energy into Democrats’ effort to turn Texas blue.

Jasmine Crockett launches run for Texas Senate race

Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic congresswoman from Texas’s 30th District known for her progressive stances and viral moments in Congress, shared a video on X to launch her campaign.

In the video, she remains silent while audio of former President Donald Trump plays, calling her the “new star of the Democrat Party” and a “very low IQ person.” She captioned the post, “Texas, let’s win this thing. #JasmineForUS #TexasTough.”

About an hour later, in her campaign speech, Crockett said there was a reason Trump keeps talking about her. She stated, "There’s a reason Trump always has my name in his mouth. I believe that’s because Trump has seen the same numbers I have: I have a track record of getting people out to vote, moving people who are disillusioned with politics and felt like their vote didn’t matter."

At her announcement event in Dallas, she said “Trump, I know you’re watching, so let me tell you directly. You’re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. You better get to work because I’m coming for you.”

Crockett dismissed claims that she’s out of step in the conservative state of Texas, insisting she can energize voters who typically stay home. She made her point by referencing to Democrats like Barack Obama, who proved critics wrong by doing the same.

“Turning Texas blue is what I want to talk to y’all about today,” she told the crowd in Dallas.

“Now, there are those who say, ‘Ain’t no way, we done tried this 50 kinds of ways.’ Let me be clear: Y’all ain’t never tried it the JC way.”

Crockett also shared a donation page with the subject line, “Crockett Texas Tough” and “Donate to Jasmine Crockett’s campaign for the US Senate.” The website reads, "For too long, Texas has elected Senators who have defended politics as usual and protected the status quo, while Texans pay the price. We’ve had Senators who’ve pushed the American Dream further and further out of reach."

It continues, "Jasmine is running for the United States Senate because she believes Texas deserves a Senator who will be an independent voice for all 30 million Texans – not a rubber stamp or party-line vote for Donald Trump."

Republican John Cornyn reacts to Jasmine Crockett's Senate run

Republicans reacted quickly to her entry into the race, calling her too far left for Texas and easier to defeat in a general election. “I think she wins the Democratic primary, and she’s the worst possible candidate they could have in Texas,” Sen John Cornyn said. “She’s unelectable.”

Crockett has drawn national attention for her abrasive style in Congress and behind closed doors. In August, she laughed off claims that she was a “no-show boss from hell,” even as several former staffers told the New York Post she was “rude,” a “diva,” and someone who “screams” at employees while rarely coming into the office. One source added she focused more on being an influencer than a legislator.

She has faced other controversies. Last week, reports revealed she owes more than $3,000 on an unpaid lien for her Dallas luxury condo. The Westside Condominium Association filed a $3,047.79 claim against her on April 11, 2024, preventing her from selling the property until she pays the amount. Records indicate she defaulted on required payments and did not settle the debt despite demands.

Crockett launched her Senate campaign just hours after former Rep Colin Allred dropped his own Democratic Senate bid and announced he would instead seek to reclaim his House seat.