Jasmine Crockett Sets Texas Ablaze Announcing a Run for U.S. Senate

Texas politics just got a whole lot louder. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, the 44-year-old former civil rights attorney known for her sharp wit, razor-sharp takedowns, and unwavering commitment to the people, has officially entered the 2026 race for U.S. Senate, CNN reports. And she didn’t tiptoe in. She kicked the door wide open.

At her announcement event in Dallas, Crockett made it clear she’s running on her own terms and with the same unapologetic fire that’s made her a national standout. She looked straight into the camera and sent a message heard across the country. “Trump, I know you’re watching, so let me tell you directly,” Jasmine Crockett said. “You’re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. You better get to work because I’m coming for you.”

Her campaign launch video delivered that same energy. Crockett didn’t speak a single word. Instead, Trump’s voice played in the background as he insulted her, calling her a “very low IQ person.” Crockett stared off-camera, then slowly turned, crossed her arms, and smiled before the screen flashed: “Crockett for US Senate.” No dialogue. No fluff. Just vibes, confidence, and a clear signal that she’s ready for the fight.

Her entry into the race comes amid political reshuffling in Texas that has Democrats feeling both energized and anxious. Some party insiders worry the uphill battle in a deep-red state just got steeper. But Crockett rejected all of it. She reminded the Dallas crowd that Texas has never seen a run quite like hers.

“Turning Texas blue is what I want to talk to y’all about today,” she said. “Now, there are those who say, ‘Ain’t no way, we done tried this 50 kinds of ways.’ Let me be clear: Y’all ain’t never tried it the JC way.”

That JC way is already shaking things up. Earlier on Monday, former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred ended his Senate bid and announced he would run again for the House. Allred confirmed he had spoken with Crockett, calling her “a friend,” and described the conversation as “professional, friendly.” His shift clears the field, avoiding a three-way Democratic showdown that could have pushed the race into a messy May runoff.

But she’s not the only Democrat on the ballot. Texas state Rep. James Talarico, who surged in visibility during the GOP’s redistricting battles, is also running and welcomed her to the race. “We’re building a movement in Texas fueled by record-breaking grassroots fundraising and 10,000 volunteers who are putting in the work to defeat the billionaire mega-donors and puppet politicians who have taken over our state,” Talarico said. “Our movement is rooted in unity over division so we welcome Congresswoman Crockett into this race.”

On the Republican side, things are far from calm. Sitting Senator John Cornyn is facing multiple primary challengers, including Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Cornyn wasted no time taking a shot at Crockett, telling reporters, “I think she wins the Democratic primary, and she is the worst possible candidate they could have in Texas. She’s not electable.” His confidence may be bold, but Trump’s decision to withhold an endorsement in the GOP primary has thrown gasoline on an already heated internal battle.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro spoke publicly in support of Crockett following her announcement. “Jasmine is a fighter; she’s an incredibly dynamic person,” Castro said. “She’s got a message that’s resonating, not only with the Democratic base, but I think with Americans across the country.”

Crockett’s path won’t be easy. Democrats would need to flip four Senate seats in 2026, a mission that requires both strategy and some political miracles. But Crockett has never been the type to shy away from long odds. Her message is connecting, her profile is rising, and her willingness to call out Trump directly sets her apart in a state where Democrats have been searching for someone with the spark to ignite voters who’ve stayed home for too long.

Texas might still be red, but the race just got a whole lot more interesting. And if Crockett has anything to say about it, the next chapter of Lone Star politics is going to look very different.

Cover photo: Jasmine Crockett Sets Texas Ablaze Announcing a Run for U.S. Senate/Photo credit: Jasmine Crockett/Facebook