In a move that’s sending ripples through Texas politics, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) announced Wednesday that she’s “strongly considering” a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. The second-term congresswoman, known for her fiery takedowns of Republicans on Capitol Hill, dropped the hint during an interview on SiriusXM’s The Lurie Daniel Favors Show, framing it as potential payback against GOP efforts to redraw congressional maps in her home state.
Why This Could Shake Up the Lone Star State
Crockett’s potential jump into the Senate race comes at a pivotal moment. Texas Republicans recently pushed through mid-decade redistricting plans—currently under legal fire—that would consolidate Dallas’ three Democratic-held House seats into just two viable ones for Democrats. Crockett’s current district, CD-30, serves over 766,000 constituents, and she didn’t mince words about the stakes.
“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,” she quipped, referring to the statewide Senate seat. The Dallas Democrat emphasized that her decision hinges on mobilizing voters: “The question will be whether or not we believe that we’ve got enough juice to expand the electorate. If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race.”
Polling Power and Primary Potential
What gives Crockett confidence? Fresh polls painting her as a Democratic frontrunner. A recent University of Houston/Texas Southern University survey showed her leading the pack with 31% support among likely Democratic primary voters—edging out State Rep. James Talarico and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (both at 25%), and ex-Rep. Colin Allred at 13%. “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,” Crockett declared.
Her rising star aligns with a broader Democratic appetite for combative candidates who can go toe-to-toe with the GOP. Crockett has earned a national profile through viral moments, like her sharp exchanges during oversight hearings—think calling out contempt proceedings against Attorney General Merrick Garland—or her infamous “Governor Hot Wheels” jab at Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, which nearly led to a House censure resolution earlier this year.
The Bigger Texas Senate Battle
Democrats see Texas as ripe for the picking in 2026, especially with turmoil brewing on the Republican side. Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is fending off a fierce primary challenge from scandal-plagued Attorney General Ken Paxton, with recent polls showing them in a virtual dead heat. Adding fuel to the fire, Rep. Wesley Hunt jumped into the GOP fray earlier this month, further fracturing the conservative vote.
If Paxton somehow clinches the nomination, Dems believe it could be their golden ticket to flipping the seat blue—his polarizing baggage might alienate moderates in a general election. For Crockett, a win in the primary could position her as the anti-establishment force ready to challenge that chaos head-on.
As redistricting lawsuits play out and more polls roll in, all eyes are on Crockett. Will she trade her House gavel for a Senate spotlight? Texas—and perhaps the nation—might just find out soon enough.
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