Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), known for her outspoken and often polarizing political style, is reportedly considering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, the Washington Free Beacon reports. The Dallas Democrat, who has recently drawn sharp criticism for mocking Governor Greg Abbott’s disability and denigrating assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, said her possible campaign would represent “karma” for Republicans’ redistricting efforts in her state.
“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,” Crockett remarked during a radio interview with host Lurie Daniel Favors.
Crockett has gained notoriety for a series of controversial comments targeting Republicans. This year, she came under fire after referring to Abbott—who has used a wheelchair since being paralyzed in a 1984 accident—as “Governor Hot Wheels.” She defended the remark by claiming it criticized his immigration policies rather than his disability. Similarly, she faced backlash after mocking Florida political figure Byron Donalds’s interracial marriage, and for comments about Charlie Kirk following his assassination, where she labeled him a racist and criticized congressional Republicans for honoring him.
Despite the controversy, Crockett claims that internal and public polling show she leads in a potential Democratic primary, noting that "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.” A University of Houston poll released earlier this month showed her leading the field with 31 percent of support—six points ahead of State Rep. James Talarico and 18 points above former Senate candidate Colin Allred.
Crockett said her decision will depend on whether Democrats can widen voter participation in a state that has consistently voted Republican. “"If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race,” she said.
Texas remains a stronghold for Republicans, with the state voting three consecutive times for President Donald Trump. In the 2024 midterms, GOP Senator Ted Cruz defeated his Democratic challenger, Colin Allred, by nine points.
Crockett’s potential candidacy could test Democrats’ ability to energize the party’s base while appealing to centrist voters in a state where controversies like hers have often hindered progressive campaigns.