At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, freshman Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) delivered an emotional and spirited speech that highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris’s empathy and also introduced Crockett to a national audience.
The relatively unknown first-term lawmaker and former civil rights attorney captivated the crowd at the United Center on Monday night, drawing a sharp contrast between Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Crockett, who represents a liberal Dallas-based district, shared a touching personal story from her early days in Congress.
Feeling overwhelmed by the intense environment in Washington, Crockett recounted a meeting with Vice President Harris that left a lasting impact.
“The most powerful woman in the world wiped my tears and listened,” Crockett told the convention, fighting back tears as she recalled Harris’s comforting words: “You are exactly where God wants you. Your district chose you because they believe in you, and so do I.”
In a speech that stood out for its raw authenticity, Crockett emphasized Harris’s unique ability to connect with others.
“What I love about Kamala Harris goes beyond her resume. It’s that she sees the humanity in everyone. She’s the only candidate in this race who was capable of empathy,” Crockett declared.
Crockett’s address also highlighted the stark differences between Harris and Trump.
“Let’s compare their resumes, shall we?” she quipped. “One candidate worked at McDonald’s while she was in college at an HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and helped his daddy with housing discrimination.”
She continued with a biting critique of Trump:
“She became a career prosecutor while he became a career criminal — with 34 felonies, two impeachments, and one porn star to prove it.”
The 43-year-old congresswoman’s fiery remarks resonated with the audience, drawing praise from her colleagues. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL), who watched the speech from a suite in the arena, called Crockett “phenomenal” and lauded her ability to deliver a clear and compelling message.
“Her comparison between the two candidates was epic and right on target,” Wilson said, noting that Crockett’s message reached viewers at home who may just now be tuning into the election.
Crockett’s star has been rising within the Democratic Party. Since winning the seat of retiring Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson in 2022, she has been a standout voice on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee.
Known for her sharp questioning and quick wit, Crockett recently went viral after pushing back against a personal attack from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) during a committee hearing.
Her clapback, which involved questioning whether comments about Greene’s appearance would violate House rules, was widely shared on social media.
With her commanding presence and eloquent oratory, Crockett is quickly becoming a key figure in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Her performance at the DNC solidified her status as one to watch as she continues to make waves on Capitol Hill.