Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s decision to launch a campaign for the U.S. Senate in Texas has sparked frustration among some House Democrats, who worry her bid could complicate the party’s efforts in the state. Crockett, known for her outrageous remarks about President Donald Trump, is viewed by some Democrats as a polarizing figure who could make it harder to appeal to swing voters in a statewide race.
“She might win a primary, but she ain’t winning a general in Texas,” a senior House Democrat who, like others quoted by Axios, spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer straightforward thoughts about a colleague.
It’s concerning for [swing] districts … I think it’s a bad decision,” a second Democrat told the outlet.
That said, Crockett remained defiant. “It’s hard to get a clear picture of who the Texans are from the fog of Washington,” she fired back in a statement to Axios.
“My message is one that reaches people who are often ignored by the political class. I’m not running a campaign focused on insider politics … I’m focused on reaching all 30 million Texans and earning their trust,” she said.
Crockett, a second-term House member representing a strongly Democratic district in Dallas, formally entered the Senate race on Monday after months of speculation. Her decision followed the Texas legislature’s successful defense of its redistricting map, which is expected to eliminate her current seat.
Her announcement came just hours after former Democratic Rep. Colin Allred ended his Senate campaign and said he would instead run for the House, leaving Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico as the two leading candidates in the Democratic primary.
Axios reported that polling shows Crockett leading Talarico, at least at this point.
Democrats view the 2026 cycle as a rare opportunity to compete seriously for statewide office in Texas, where the party has not won a statewide race in decades.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is heading into a competitive primary against state Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom Democrats consider potentially vulnerable because of his ongoing legal troubles and hard-right positions.
Down the ballot, Democrats will be working to protect incumbents Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar, challenge Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, and contend for several newly open House seats, Axios noted.
A third House Democrat, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a recent NOTUS report suggesting that Senate Republicans had quietly encouraged Crockett to enter the race has been circulating among lawmakers.
“Everybody’s talking about that,” the lawmaker said, adding that while “the base loves” Crockett’s combative brand, “people just feel that there isn’t a lot of reach there.”
“There’s a lot of concern she won’t win. If you have Paxton in there, particularly, it seems like a good target,” said a fourth House Democrat told Axios. “I hope Texas picks someone that can get us a seat.”
However, a fifth Democrat told the outlet: “Even if it’s Paxton on the [GOP] ticket, [Crockett] doesn’t give us a shot of winning the Senate, or at least doesn’t put us in the game.”
Crockett has support from some Democrats, but she appears to face broader skepticism within the caucus. Several lawmakers have voiced concern that she would struggle in a statewide race, and some privately argue that her decision reflects personal ambition rather than the party’s strategic interests.
“Just look to see how many House members endorse her candidacy,” a sixth House Democrat told Axios.
