Republicans from Austin to Washington have been openly amused since Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a viral progressive star, announced her bid for one of Texas’ two U.S. Senate seats.
“It’s going to be very entertaining,” Rep. Mike McCaul (R-TX) told Raw Story with a laugh.
Democrats, however, say the snickering reflects GOP overconfidence and racially tinged arrogance in a state they are increasingly eager to flip. They argue Republicans are underestimating Crockett, a Black congresswoman with a national profile and a digitally savvy campaign already drawing millions in donations.
“She’s going to win,” Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) said.
The race is shaping up to be one of the most expensive in the country. In 2024, Texas shattered fundraising records as Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Collin Allred raised a combined $192 million. Although Allred lost by eight points, Democrats say Crockett brings a different mix of grassroots energy and online reach.
Republicans have largely dismissed her candidacy. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) called her “a weird choice,” arguing Allred would have been stronger. Others have gone further. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) claimed, with evident relish, that GOP encouragement of Crockett amounted to a “psyop campaign” designed to elevate a candidate they view as too far left to win statewide.
President Donald Trump, Republicans say, is particularly eager to defeat Crockett, one of his most vocal critics. Meanwhile, Democrats are hoping the GOP primary devolves into an expensive fight between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Democrats bristle at the dismissive tone. Veasey called Republicans’ laughter “crazy,” warning that overlooking Democratic candidates “is not very smart.” He and others point to Crockett’s growing role in national politics. She has campaigned alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris in multiple states and is a frequent draw for progressive voters.
“She’s been incredible in motivating the base,” Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) said.
While some party veterans remain cool toward her confrontational style, colleagues note Crockett’s effectiveness in oversight and her ability to meet Republicans’ performative politics head-on. Like it or not, Democrats say, her rise signals a changing of the guard and a Senate race Republicans may regret laughing off.
