Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) expressed deep emotion while announcing her candidacy for the Texas Senate, emphasizing that her decision wasn’t about her personal ambitions but rather an acknowledgment of her strong polling numbers. She labeled this moment as critical, stating it felt like a “life or death” issue.
Crockett submitted her candidacy papers on the deadline day, following weeks of hints about her intentions for a U.S. Senate run in Texas, and she made her formal announcement shortly thereafter.
“Many might ask why I entered this race at such a late stage, but it’s important to clarify that this was never my plan. This was never about me,” she explained to attendees. “I haven’t taken part in any polls.”
With tears in her eyes, she mentioned, “My question was simply which position I should aim for? I really care about Texas 30.”
As she reviewed the polling data, it became increasingly clear to her that the trends regarding both the primary and general elections couldn’t be overlooked.
She acknowledged the comfort of maintaining her position in the House as long as her constituents continued to support her, yet, she expressed that she wasn’t willing to stay complacent. “I choose not to do that, Texas, because what we are facing now is crucial,” she stated.
She mentioned being encouraged to stay in the House, as her voice was genuinely needed, but she felt compelled to amplify her message. “People need a louder voice,” she said.
On her first day in the race, Crockett also called attention to issues of race and gender. She said, “I want to dispel the notions that say, ‘She can’t win because she’s black, she’s a woman, she’s a Democrat.'” She urged those who believed in female representation to support her.
Interestingly, her initial campaign video labeled President Donald Trump a white supremacist and criminal, showing her expressions as he made disrespectful comments about her.
Crockett previously admitted she struggled to comprehend why many Americans support President Trump, even implying that his followers seemed to be part of a “cult.”
