Dallas Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett says she is strongly considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator John Cornyn.
Crockett, who represents Texas’ 30th Congressional District, is waiting for a final ruling on new congressional district maps before making her decision.
Crockett, a first-term lawmaker and former civil rights attorney, has gained national attention for her outspoken presence in committee hearings and her focus on voting rights, criminal justice reform, and economic equity.
Her potential bid would set up a high-profile statewide race in 2026, when Cornyn’s term is set to expire. “The question will be whether or not we believe that we’ve got enough juice to expand the electorate and looking at those cross tabs and looking at which demographics are more inclined to come out, who normally do not vote,” she said on a podcast. "If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race.”
Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988, though recent election cycles have shown closer margins in statewide contests.
Crockett’s consideration of a run adds another layer of uncertainty to the political landscape as redistricting and shifting demographics continue to reshape Texas politics.
And it would have national repercussions if she ran. Crockett is a popular target for the far right, and a regular -- and strong -- critic of President Donald Trump and fans in the administration.
She famously called Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body” and referred to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels.”
Not to be outdone, the president called her a "low-IQ person who I can’t even believe is a Congressperson."
The competition for the Senate seat is stiff, though. Politico reported the two leading candidates are former Rep. Colin Allred, who lost last year to Sen. Ted Cruz and "boasts significant name recognition"; and state Rep. James Talarico, who has attracted a lot of donors.