Jasmine Crockett Launches Texas Senate Bid, Tells Trump ‘I’m Coming For You’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett has launched a U.S. Senate campaign in Texas, setting up a fierce race in a GOP stronghold. Known for her bold rhetoric and viral moments, Crockett directly challenged President Trump during her announcement. She aims to unseat Republican Sen. John Cornyn in a race with major implications for Senate control.
Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run: Quick Looks
- Rep. Jasmine Crockett officially announced her 2026 U.S. Senate campaign in Texas.
- She directly challenged Trump, saying, “I’m coming for you.”
- Crockett is running to unseat longtime GOP Sen. John Cornyn.
- Cornyn faces a primary challenge from Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt.
- Former Rep. Colin Allred ended his Senate campaign hours before Crockett’s launch.
- Crockett’s primary rival is Texas state Rep. James Talarico.
- Talarico leads in fundraising but lacks Crockett’s national profile.
- Republicans quickly attacked Crockett, branding her as extreme.
- Democrats see a window if scandal-plagued Paxton wins the GOP primary.
- Crockett promises to defy critics and energize Democratic voters in Texas.
Jasmine Crockett Launches Texas Senate Bid, Tells Trump ‘I’m Coming For You’
Deep Look
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas formally launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate with a bold message for President Donald Trump: “I’m coming for you.” The fiery announcement kicks off a race that could play a significant role in determining control of the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections—and represents a high-profile challenge in a Republican-dominated state.
Speaking to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters in Dallas, Crockett positioned herself as a fearless political fighter. “I’m the only one who has gone toe to toe with Donald Trump,” she said. “And there’s a reason he always has my name in his mouth.”
Crockett’s entry into the Senate race came on the final day of qualifying in Texas and just hours after former Democratic Rep. Colin Allred bowed out of the race, choosing instead to run again for his old House seat. With Allred out, Crockett becomes the best-known Democratic contender vying to unseat Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican who has held the seat since 2002.
Crockett will face state Rep. James Talarico in the Democratic primary on March 3. Talarico, a former public school teacher, has gained national attention for challenging conservative education policies in Texas. Though he leads in fundraising, with $6.3 million raised and nearly $5 million on hand, Crockett brings a larger national profile and deep support from progressive activists and social media audiences.
Crockett raised $2.7 million for her House campaign in the last quarter and ended September with $4.6 million on hand—resources now expected to shift toward the Senate race.
Cornyn, meanwhile, is facing serious pressure from within his own party. He’ll contend with a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is backed by Trump loyalists despite his ongoing legal troubles, and Rep. Wesley Hunt, a rising GOP figure who defied party leaders to enter the race.
Democrats believe their best shot at flipping the seat may come if Paxton, weighed down by ethics scandals and investigations, wins the GOP primary. Crockett’s strategy hinges on mobilizing core Democratic voters—particularly Black and Latino communities—and energizing suburban voters who have grown disillusioned with the GOP’s far-right turn.
In her announcement speech, Crockett took direct aim at those who doubt her electability. “Don’t tell me I can’t win because I’m Black, because I’m a woman, or because I’m a Democrat,” she said.
She also addressed Trump multiple times, referencing his past insults—including calling her a “low IQ person.” Crockett challenged him to an IQ test and aired a campaign video featuring Trump’s criticisms layered over footage of her congressional work, drawing cheers from the audience.
“You better get to work, because I’m coming for you,” she said.
Crockett, a civil rights attorney and former public defender, previously served in the Texas House before winning a congressional seat. She quickly made national headlines with her confrontational style and viral moments, including heated exchanges with Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nancy Mace.
She also courted controversy when she mocked Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, by calling him “Gov. Hot Wheels.” Crockett later clarified she was referring to his transportation policies involving the busing of migrants to Democratic cities.
Republicans wasted no time attacking her Senate bid. Paxton labeled her “Crazy Crockett,” and Cornyn, when asked about the potential matchup, responded, “I think that would be a lot of fun. She just says such inflammatory and crazy things.”
Talarico struck a more diplomatic tone, welcoming her to the race but highlighting his strong volunteer base and early fundraising success. “Our movement is rooted in unity over division,” he said in a statement.
Crockett’s campaign strategy appears built around leveraging her high visibility, sharp rhetoric, and unapologetic progressive stance to win over the Democratic base. Whether that style can translate into a general election victory in a deeply red state like Texas remains to be seen.
Democratic strategist Kamau Marshall noted that while Crockett’s cable news appearances and viral clips are an asset in the primary, success in November will require broad appeal. “To win statewide in Texas, you’ve got to build complicated coalitions,” he said. “You need Black voters in Houston and Dallas, suburban moderates, and Latino support in South Texas.”
Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. The party’s closest brush with victory came in 2018 when Beto O’Rourke lost to Sen. Ted Cruz by just 3 percentage points during Trump’s first midterm cycle. Democrats hope that a similar political climate in 2026 could tip the balance.
As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how Crockett and Talarico navigate the primary and how voters respond to their starkly different styles. Meanwhile, Republicans are bracing for a potentially bruising intraparty battle that could shape the national political landscape in 2026.
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