U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett is set to officially announce her candidacy for a Senate seat, a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of the race against incumbent Republican John Cornyn. Crockett plans to file her candidacy ahead of the March 3, 2024, Democratic primary, joining a competitive field that includes former U.S. Representative Colin Allred and state Representative James Talarico.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face the victor of the Republican primary, which features Cornyn alongside Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt. As the Democratic primary unfolds, candidates will likely focus on who can best represent the party’s values in an era increasingly defined by former President Donald Trump.
Kardal Coleman, chairman of the Dallas County Democratic Party, emphasized the need for a candidate who resonates with voters. “Voters are looking for someone who’s unapologetic in defending our values and who is plain spoken and knows how to speak the language of the everyday person,” he stated. Coleman believes that the candidate who can truly embody what it means to be a Texas Democrat will have the strongest chance of success.
Candidates must submit their filings by 18:00 on Monday, with Crockett expected to make her announcement at 16:30. At 44 years old, she is currently in her second term representing District 30 in the Dallas area, a seat she secured in 2022 after being selected by the late Eddie Bernice Johnson as her successor. Prior to Congress, Crockett served one term in the Texas House, where she gained recognition for her unexpected victory over former state Representative Lorraine Birabil.
Crockett has emerged as a vocal critic of Trump and his administration, gaining national attention for her confrontations with Republican representatives such as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nancy Mace. Her comments at a dinner in California, where she referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott as “governor hot wheels,” drew criticism for being insensitive. Abbott has relied on a wheelchair since a serious accident in 1984.
With a growing national profile, Crockett is regarded as a frontrunner in the Senate primary, bolstered by her impressive fundraising capabilities. She currently has over $4.6 million in her congressional campaign account. A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University indicated that she leads among announced and potential Democratic candidates with 31% support, followed by Talarico and former Vice President Beto O’Rourke at 25%, and Allred at 13%.
Crockett’s Senate bid follows a redistricting that has moved her out of District 30, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court, allowing Texas to utilize the new map for the 2026 elections. Political analysts suggest her national stature and fundraising abilities may provide her with opportunities to return to the House, representing one of the two remaining Democratic-leaning seats in the Dallas area. Nonetheless, she has expressed the importance of Democrats winning back the Senate to further their agenda, particularly in Texas.
Crockett’s entry into the race will likely prompt shifts in strategy for her fellow candidates. Talarico, who entered the race in September, raised more than $6 million in his first month. His campaign has energized many Democrats, particularly progressives attracted to his charismatic and principled approach. He positions himself as the Texas Democrat needed to challenge Trump, drawing enthusiastic crowds at his rallies.
Meanwhile, Allred, who announced his candidacy on July 1, has already been active in campaigning across Texas. After a highly publicized Senate race against Ted Cruz last year, he faces the challenge of convincing Democratic voters that he can effectively compete in what is expected to be a tough general election. Despite previously outperforming Kamala Harris in Texas during the 2024 election, Allred’s defeat has left some Democrats questioning his viability.
As the race develops, Crockett’s candidacy not only enhances the competition but also highlights the potential for a historic moment in Texas politics. Should she succeed, she would become the first person of color from Texas to serve in the Senate, a significant milestone in a state yet to elect a Black woman to any statewide office.