Congresswoman Weighs Senate Bid After Losing Her Seat to Redistricting
Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett is signaling that she might not be leaving the political stage quietly. After redistricting reshaped her district and effectively ended her tenure in the U.S. House, the outspoken congresswoman is now hinting at a major political pivot — one that could send shockwaves through both parties.
Speaking on SiriusXM Radio this week, Crockett confirmed that she’s “strongly considering” a run for the U.S. Senate, telling hosts that recent polling and political shifts in Texas have her seriously weighing her options.
“Every other day, there’s a poll that makes it clear that I can win the primary for the U.S. Senate race in Texas,” Crockett said. “And I am looking.”
If she enters the race, Crockett would immediately become one of the most prominent — and polarizing — Democratic figures in the state’s political landscape.
District Redrawn, Career in Limbo
Crockett’s decision comes amid fallout from a controversial redistricting measure passed earlier this year by the Texas Legislature. The new congressional map dismantled parts of her district, dividing key urban centers and moving many of her strongest Democratic precincts into neighboring districts.
She has argued that the map was specifically designed to dilute minority and progressive voters and to bolster Republican control.
In her SiriusXM interview, Crockett expressed frustration with the move and hinted that her possible Senate run could be a direct response.
“If you want to take my seat of 766,000 away,” she said pointedly, “I feel like there has to be some karma in that to where I take your seat that is for 30 million away.”
Her remarks appeared to reference the population of Texas — and the statewide seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn, whose term expires in 2026.
Polling Favors a Potential Crockett Campaign
According to recent data from Axios, internal polling has shown Crockett leading the Democratic field with around 31% support, placing her roughly six points ahead of her nearest potential rival.
Political analysts note that name recognition, media exposure, and her combative personality could make her a formidable candidate in a crowded Democratic primary.
“The question will be whether or not we believe that we’ve got enough juice to expand the electorate,” she said. “If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race.”
Crockett also said that any run would depend on whether she can “energize new voters” and build coalitions beyond her current base in urban Texas districts.
A Divisive Figure in Texas Politics
Crockett, who first rose to prominence as a progressive firebrand, has built a reputation for fiery exchanges and unfiltered rhetoric — something that has earned her both admiration from liberal activists and intense criticism from conservatives.
She’s a frequent guest on cable news programs and social media livestreams, where her blunt commentary and unapologetic style often dominate headlines.
Her critics, however, say that same style has made her one of the most divisive figures in the Democratic Party.
“She’s not afraid to throw punches,” said one Texas political consultant. “But she doesn’t always stop to see where they land.”
Controversial Comments Resurface
If Crockett does enter the Senate race, she’ll likely face renewed scrutiny over her past remarks — several of which have already become flashpoints in national politics.
She has previously described former President Donald Trump as a “wannabe Hitler” and suggested that she “doesn’t necessarily” want her supporters to harm Republicans — comments that many saw as dangerously reckless.
Earlier this year, she lashed out at a reporter who asked about those remarks, accusing the journalist of “targeting women of color.”
Republican strategists have called her record “a gold mine” for campaign ads.
“For GOP opposition researchers, she’s a dream,” one strategist said. “Nominate her, and Democrats hand the GOP a walking caricature to run against.”
Tensions Flare Over Political Violence Resolution
Crockett also sparked outrage on Capitol Hill after voting against a bipartisan resolution condemning political violence and honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in Utah earlier this month while speaking at a campus event.
She defended her “no” vote by claiming that Kirk’s work “targeted minority communities” and that the resolution ignored what she called “the systemic violence” of conservative policies.
Her comments drew immediate backlash from both parties, with House Republicans calling them “callous” and “unbecoming of a sitting member of Congress.”
Trump Responds From the White House
President Donald Trump weighed in directly, using an Oval Office press availability to deliver a sharp rebuke of Crockett and fellow Democrat Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.
“Jasmine, remember what I said?” Trump told reporters. “She’s a very low-IQ person. If we ever had to pass an aptitude test, that’s the one who should take one because she shouldn’t even be in Congress.”
He added: “Between her and Ilhan and the group… I suggested maybe Somalia would take her back, and the president there said, ‘I don’t want her.’”
The president’s remarks triggered yet another round of media firestorms — with Democrats accusing Trump of racism, while his supporters argued he was responding to legitimate hostility from lawmakers who “speak with open contempt” for conservatives.
Democrats Caught Off Guard
Inside the Democratic Party, Crockett’s Senate talk is causing quiet concern. Senior strategists fear her entry could split the party’s vote, pushing more moderate candidates aside and handing Republicans an easier general election victory.
“She’s got name ID, but she’s also got baggage,” one Democratic consultant told Axios. “If she’s the nominee, Texas becomes less competitive overnight.”
Crockett’s allies insist she can energize young voters, women, and progressives who have long felt underrepresented in statewide races.
“The party needs energy,” said one campaign adviser familiar with her circle. “Jasmine brings that — whether people love her or hate her.”
Republicans Watching Closely
For Texas Republicans, a potential Crockett campaign could be a political gift.
“Every time she opens her mouth, she moves another independent voter our way,” said one senior GOP strategist.
Potential Republican challengers for the 2026 Senate race include Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt, all of whom have signaled they are watching the Democratic field closely.
Party officials believe that if Crockett wins the nomination, her left-wing positions and inflammatory rhetoric would alienate key swing voters.
Looking Ahead
As of this week, Crockett has not formally launched a Senate campaign, but her remarks suggest that an announcement could come soon.
Her team has reportedly begun testing fundraising messages and quietly reaching out to potential donors, according to Democratic sources.
Should she run, the race could become one of the most closely watched Senate contests in the country — a referendum not only on Texas politics but also on the direction of the Democratic Party itself.
Whether her outspoken persona helps or hurts her remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jasmine Crockett isn’t fading quietly into the background.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
