Jasmine Crockett Scrambles Democrats as She Weighs a Last-Minute Texas Senate Run

December 9, 2025

Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett is delaying her decision until Monday on whether to seek reelection to the House or enter the competitive Democratic Senate primary race. The 44-year-old civil rights lawyer, known for viral confrontations with Republicans, has been conducting strategic calls with Democratic figures including asking Colin Allred to switch to a gubernatorial run and discussing voter mobilization with Stacey Abrams. While supporters believe her fundraising prowess and ability to energize base voters could help Democrats compete in the traditionally red state, critics worry her controversial statements and partisan image could backfire in a statewide race and harm down-ballot candidates.

Who is affected

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (deciding between House reelection and Senate run)
Rep. Colin Allred (current Senate candidate)
State Rep. James Talarico (current Senate candidate)
Rep. Marc Veasey (considering filing for Crockett's House district)
Rep. Joaquin Castro (discussed as potential attorney general candidate)
Beto O'Rourke (considered Senate run but declined)
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa (gubernatorial candidate)
Texas Democratic voters and party officials
Republican Senate candidates (Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, Rep. Wesley Hunt)
Democratic House and state legislative candidates in Texas

What action is being taken

Crockett is working phones and meeting with supporters while making her decision
Crockett is making strategic calls to Democratic figures about coordinating campaigns
Allred and Talarico are actively running Senate campaigns
O'Rourke is focusing on his group to recruit Democratic candidates and build grassroots support
Republican Senate candidates are spending millions attacking each other in their primary
Opposition researchers are circulating material on Crockett

Why it matters

This decision matters because Texas Democrats see a rare opportunity to compete for a Senate seat due to a divisive Republican primary that could produce a vulnerable nominee in Attorney General Ken Paxton. The outcome could affect control of the Republican Senate majority and determine whether Democrats can break their 30-year statewide losing streak in Texas. A Crockett candidacy could either energize turnout in Black and Latino communities or provoke Republican backlash that harms Democratic candidates at all levels. The situation also reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party about candidate selection, strategic coordination, and whether to prioritize energizing the base versus appealing to moderate voters in competitive states.

What's next

Crockett will announce her decision at an event Monday, scheduled 90 minutes before the filing deadline
If Crockett files for Senate, Rep. Marc Veasey plans to file for her House district shortly afterward
The Texas Democratic Senate primary will continue with multiple candidates competing
Republicans will hold their Senate primary on March 3, likely proceeding to a runoff election in May

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint