U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, who has served in the House for just two years, is considering a late entry into the 2026 Senate race for the seat currently held by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). The deadline for candidates to file is approaching on Monday, and Crockett’s potential candidacy has sparked a mix of speculation and criticism within Texas politics.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has publicly expressed doubt over Crockett’s chances, stating that if she were to win the Democratic primary, she would be “pummeled” by the eventual Republican nominee. He emphasized that Crockett’s progressive platform may not resonate with a broader Texas electorate, asserting that “the Texas political cemetery is filled with blowhards like her who have no idea what it’s like to run statewide.” Abbott appears to hope that her entry into the race would solidify Republican control of the seat.
Should Crockett choose to run, she would enter a competitive Democratic primary that includes notable candidates such as former Representative Colin Allred, who lost to Senator Ted Cruz in the 2024 Senate race, and state Representative James Talarico. Recent polling indicates that Crockett holds a narrow lead over Talarico by six percentage points, and a more substantial lead of 18 points over Allred, suggesting that she may have a viable pathway to the nomination.
Crockett, known for her engaging media presence and ability to connect with younger voters, remains optimistic about her chances. “I’m not crazy. It’s weird that people believe that I could win the races that I won and I’m just like out here willy-nilly,” she remarked, asserting her self-awareness and strategic approach to campaigning. Her comments suggest that she believes she could build a strong coalition if she decides to proceed.
The Republican primary for the Senate seat is shaping up to be fiercely contested, with Cornyn currently facing challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Representative Wesley Hunt. Polls indicate a close race among these candidates, with Cornyn leading Paxton by just 0.3 percentage points and holding a nearly 10-point advantage over Hunt.
As the deadline looms for candidate filings, the political landscape in Texas is becoming increasingly dynamic. The outcome of this race could have significant implications not only for the state’s political future but also for the broader balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Crockett’s decision will be closely watched, as it could redefine her political trajectory and impact the Democratic Party’s strategy in Texas. Both party leaders and voters await her announcement, which will likely set the tone for the competitive political environment leading up to the 2026 elections.
