Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett has officially launched her bid for the US Senate in Texas, quickly turning what was expected to be a visible contest into one of the most contested contests of the 2026 cycle. To announce his candidacy on Monday — the last day of eligibility — Crockett used his trademark courage to send a direct message to former President Donald Trump:
“I’m coming to you.”
Crockett enters the race with a national profile, a growing grass following, and a reputation as one of the most outspoken Democrats in Congress. His eligibility is critical for Democrats who see Texas as an exciting but important opportunity in their quest to regain the Senate majority. The Texas seat is currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who is seeking redistricting and facing a GOP Primary Primal against Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.
Speaking to supporters in Dallas, he captured his authenticity through the lens of his inclusive political style. “As someone who will always come under attack and be seen as a threat, because I am,” Crockett said, according to the Corresponding press. “I’m the only one who has gone toe-to-toe with Donald Trump, and there’s a reason he always has my name in his mouth.”
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His Campaign Slogan, Texas is toughis the message he hopes will win back voters across the country. In accordance with NBC Newshe argued that he is uniquely equipped to mobilize integrated voters and build “a very powerful race, while looking at the cost of living and managing President Donald Trump” in reports earlier this year.
How Crockett plans to win
Source: Houston Chronicle / Hearst Newspaper / GettyCrockett has shown time and time again that he is not afraid to speak out against what is wrong with the political system. He has spent the past few months sharpening his criticism of Trump and the Republican leadership. On December 8, he blasted the management of health care premiums, and was criticized at the beginning of the GOP-LED immigration efforts such as the charlotte web and my work for harming innocent citizens and ice arrests.
“Listen, this administration is not about ‘making America Great.’ It’s watching our neighbors, tearing families apart, and putting lives on the line. Democrats on the right are standing up because this fight isn’t about the left or it’s wrong. “
In addition, Crockett has made it clear that he does not expect support from his ranks to find a path to victory – even from GOP leaders. In accordance with CBS NewsDuring a recent interview, Demontal said he is focused on reviving the electorate rather than relying on Republican support.
“When we end up with the Trump phenomenon or whether we end up with the Obama Phenomenon, they both managed to get people out that they didn’t vote for,” he said. “I think the only way we’re going to win in Texas is if we have a candidate who can add to the electorate. If the electorate stays the same electorate that we’ve had for the last 30 years, then I think we’re going to end up with the same result.”
Uphill climbing in Texas
Democrats haven’t won a state race in Texas since 1994, and they captured a Senate seat in a state runoff that keeps climbing. However, the political environment is far from static. Cornyn faces the first competitive district of his career, which could weaken incumbents ahead of the general election.
Crockett also faces a primary Democratic challenge from vert rep. James Talarico, who built a rising profile of his own and raised more than $ 6.3 million over the first three weeks of the campaigns, according to reports. Crockett entered the race with a strong financial footing, raising nearly $2.7 million from July through September and ending the quarter with $4.6 million in possession, Press Press noted.
A quick push from the right
The Republicans have already started their attack. Paxton dismissed him as “Crazy Crockett,” and Cornyn wrote him “borderline, theatrical, and unsuccessful.” He told reporters he looked forward to facing him, saying, “Like our Senate campaign, he will make sure that every Texas Voter knows that he does not have his wife, and in the process provides open support for Republix.”
Despite the insults – and cornyn respacing old clips together including his “Gov. Wheels Hot Wheels” appear from the outside. Working for Texas’ 30th District since 2023, he has built his brand through contention and conviction. And as he enters his biggest race yet, he’s making one thing clear: He’s ready to fight.
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