Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said Wednesday she is “strongly considering” a run for the U.S. Senate, citing internal polling that she claims shows her as the “frontrunner” leading the Democrat field.
Crockett, a second-term congresswoman who has gained national attention for her fiery exchanges with Republicans on Capitol Hill, made the remarks during an appearance on SiriusXM’s “The Lurie Daniel Favors Show.”
“If you want to take my seat of 766,000 away, I feel like there has to be some karma in that to where I take your seat that is for 30 million away,” Crockett said, referring to Texas Republicans’ mid-decade redistricting effort that could eliminate her current congressional district.
The controversial maps, which are facing court challenges, would reduce the number of Democrat-leaning districts in the Dallas area from three to two, forcing a potential contest among the region’s incumbent Democrats.
“The question will be whether or not we believe that we’ve got enough juice to expand the electorate,” Crockett added.
“If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race.”
Crockett’s Rise in the Democratic Party
Crockett has built a national profile as one of the Democratic Party’s most combative and outspoken figures.
Some outlets describe her as a “political brawler.”
She drew widespread attention earlier this year after Republicans moved to censure her for referring to GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels.”
The remark drew bipartisan condemnation but only boosted her notoriety among progressive activists and left-wing commentators.
Polling and Political Context
Crockett cited polling that she says shows her as a leading contender in the Democratic primary.
“Every other day, there’s a poll that comes out that makes it clear that I can win the primary for the U.S. Senate race in Texas,” she said.
A University of Houston/Texas Southern University poll released earlier this month found Crockett with support from 31% of likely Democrat primary voters, narrowly leading State Rep. James Talarico (D-TX) and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), who each received 25%.
Former Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) polled at 13%.
O’Rourke has not yet announced whether he plans to enter the race.
Texas Senate Race in Flux
Texas has quickly become a key battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate, especially after state Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-TX) launched a primary challenge against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
Polls show Cornyn and Paxton running neck-and-neck in the GOP primary, while Democrats believe a Paxton victory could make the general election more competitive.
The race grew even more crowded this month when Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) joined the Republican field, setting up a potentially bruising primary fight.
Democrats, meanwhile, are betting that a high-profile and media-savvy candidate like Crockett could energize younger and more progressive voters in a state they’ve long hoped to flip.
Still, with President Donald Trump leading comfortably in Texas polls and Republicans maintaining a solid organizational advantage statewide, any Democrat challenger faces an uphill climb.
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