Crockett Files for Senate Run in 2026
Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett from Texas has officially declared her intention to run for the Senate in 2026, aiming to be part of a larger Democratic strategy to flip the Senate.
Crockett submitted the necessary paperwork to enter the primary for the Senate seat currently occupied by Republican John Cornyn. This move came right before the filing deadline in Texas.
An event in Dallas marked the kick-off of her campaign, where Crockett shared a brief video on social media, positioning herself as a strong challenger to former President Donald Trump. She is clearly focused on “turning Texas blue” by increasing Democratic voter turnout.
The video features Crockett maintaining a steady gaze into the camera while Trump’s voice hurls insults at her, notably labeling her with a “low IQ.” The repeated insults serve to frame her candidacy around a narrative of resilience against Trump’s remarks.
This video was showcased at her campaign event and subsequently posted on her campaign social media, which she’s since updated to include her Senate ambitions.
Currently, Crockett is competing against fellow Democratic Representative James Talarico, who has made a substantial impact by raising $6.2 million in just three weeks of campaigning.
Talarico expressed, “We are forging a movement in Texas with record grassroots support and thousands of volunteers dedicated to overcoming the influence of billionaire donors and managed politicians. Our aim is unity across divides, so we welcome Congressman Crockett into this race.”
If Crockett manages to win the primary, she will likely set her sights on Cornyn, who is seeking his fifth term after being elected in 2002.
In response, Cornyn criticized Crockett, stating that she “does not reflect the majority of Texans’ views.”
According to Cornyn, “Her time in Congress has been characterized by unserious speeches and little to no meaningful work for her districts. She engages in extreme, theatrical rhetoric and childish insults. Our campaign aims to show every Texas voter how impractical her candidacy is, as we also work to secure additional Republican seats that Trump prioritizes.”
Cornyn is not without his own challenges in the primary. He faces competition from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Representative Wesley Hunt, both of whom are vying for the Senate seat he has held for years.
For Democrats to gain a 51-49 majority, they would need to secure four additional seats in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Crockett’s Senate run aligns with the ongoing Democrat initiative to shift the balance of power in Texas, a state that has not seen a Democrat win a statewide election since 1994.
Just last month, Crockett mentioned he’d only pursue the Senate seat if he believed he was the party’s strongest contender. He emphasized, “This district goes beyond Texas. It represents the story of our entire country. Changing the Senate landscape is crucial, and that’s where we can achieve victory.”
