Democrats Rip Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Bid
Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s decision to launch a U.S. Senate campaign in Texas is already rattling Democrats on Capitol Hill, with several House members privately warning that her candidacy could damage the party’s broader electoral strategy in a state where margins matter and swing voters remain decisive.
Crockett, a second-term Democrat known nationally for her inflammatory rhetoric and repeated attacks on President Donald J. Trump, is viewed by many within her own party as a deeply polarizing figure. According to Axios, multiple House Democrats fear her entry into the race could complicate efforts to compete statewide—and potentially jeopardize down-ballot races critical to control of Congress.
“She might win a primary, but she ain’t winning a general in Texas,” one senior House Democrat said, speaking anonymously to Axios to candidly assess a colleague’s prospects.
Another Democrat echoed that concern, telling the outlet, “It’s concerning for [swing] districts … I think it’s a bad decision.”
Strategists worry that if Crockett emerges as the Democratic nominee, her high-profile presence atop the ticket could hurt competitive House races next year—races Democrats see as essential to reclaiming or maintaining power.
Crockett, however, brushed aside the criticism and pushed back forcefully in a statement to Axios.
“It’s hard to get a clear picture of who the Texans are from the fog of Washington,” she said.
“My message is one that reaches people who are often ignored by the political class. I’m not running a campaign focused on insider politics … I’m focused on reaching all 30 million Texans and earning their trust.”
Crockett formally entered the Senate race on Monday after months of speculation. Her move followed the Texas Legislature’s successful defense of its redistricting map, which is expected to eliminate her heavily Democratic Dallas-based House seat.
The timing of her announcement raised eyebrows inside Democratic circles. It came just hours after former Rep. Colin Allred ended his Senate bid and announced plans to run for the House instead, effectively clearing the field for Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico as the leading contenders in the Democratic primary.
According to Axios, early polling shows Crockett leading Talarico for now.
Democrats see the 2026 cycle as a rare opportunity to compete seriously in Texas, a state the party has failed to win statewide in decades. Their hopes hinge in part on turmoil within the GOP primary, where Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) faces a challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton—whom Democrats believe could be vulnerable due to ongoing legal issues and his unapologetically conservative record.
At the same time, Democrats are scrambling to defend vulnerable incumbents Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar, challenge Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, and contest several newly open House seats.
Another House Democrat told Axios that lawmakers have been circulating a recent NOTUS report suggesting Senate Republicans may have quietly encouraged Crockett to jump into the race—fueling suspicions that her candidacy could ultimately benefit the GOP.
“Everybody’s talking about that,” the lawmaker said, adding that while “the base loves” Crockett’s confrontational style, “people just feel that there isn’t a lot of reach there.”
“There’s a lot of concern she won’t win. If you have Paxton in there, particularly, it seems like a good target,” another Democrat told Axios. “I hope Texas picks someone that can get us a seat.”
Others were more blunt.
“Even if it’s Paxton on the [GOP] ticket, [Crockett] doesn’t give us a shot of winning the Senate, or at least doesn’t put us in the game,” a fifth Democrat said.
While Crockett does retain support from segments of the Democratic base, skepticism appears widespread within the caucus. Several lawmakers privately suggested her decision reflects personal ambition more than strategic calculation.
“Just look to see how many House members endorse her candidacy,” a sixth House Democrat told Axios.