Johnson Comments on Crockett’s Senate Campaign

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) expressed his satisfaction regarding Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s (D-Texas) decision to run for the Senate. Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Johnson seemed genuinely pleased, even rubbing his hands together as he smiled.

“I’m really happy that Jasmine Crockett is running for the Texas Senate,” he said. He characterized her candidacy as a significant moment for the Republican Party, labeling her as “the face of the Democratic Party.” He went on to wish her luck but, perhaps predictably, hinted at a belief that Texans would not support her views.

Johnson conveyed a desire for Crockett to have “the biggest, loudest microphone possible every day” during the run-up to the elections. He added, “We’re looking forward to that election; we’re going to elect another Republican senator in Texas. Texas is a red state… the people are common-sense Americans who will not be swayed by what Jasmine is selling.”

Shortly afterward, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), chair of the House Democratic Caucus, responded to Johnson’s remarks. He implied that Johnson was trying to divert attention from the declining influence of the majority party. “It’s like sand falling through his fingers,” Aguilar said, criticizing Johnson’s focus on the Senate race while neglecting recent losses the Republicans faced in other contests.

Aguilar continued, “The more Speaker Johnson tries to discuss the Senate race, I absolutely support him because he’s likely to lose his majority soon.”

Meanwhile, Crockett, known for her vocal criticism of Donald Trump, kicked off her Senate campaign recently. She highlighted her efforts to combat what she sees as a threat from the former president in her announcement speech. In her address, she acknowledged the timing of her entry, stating it wasn’t her original plan but felt compelled by the circumstances. “I finished watching the American Dream on life support while President Trump tried to pull the plug,” she remarked, asserting her readiness to take on the challenge.

Crockett also addressed questions about her late entry into the race, stressing that it’s not about her but about Texas’ well-being. “This moment we are in is life or death,” she declared, channeling an optimistic message that victory was indeed possible.

In the upcoming Democratic primary, Crockett will face state Rep. James Talarico, another emerging figure in Texas politics. Meanwhile, incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn is up against challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.