‘LONE’ STAR: Rep. Jasmine Crockett Faces Fierce Backlash in Texas Over Senate Bid

Austin, TX — The Texas political landscape was shaken this week as Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) officially announced her bid for the U.S. Senate — a move that immediately ignited intense backlash from conservative lawmakers, law enforcement advocates, and political opponents who accuse her of being out of touch with core Texas values.

The announcement, made at a rally in Dallas with supporters and progressive activists, positions Crockett as the latest high-profile Democrat to challenge Republican dominance in Texas, a state that hasn’t sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since the 1990s. But while her campaign highlights bold promises around civil rights, voting access, and criminal justice reform, opponents are mobilizing quickly to push back — hard.

Brandon Gill Hits Back: “Texans Want Law and Order”

One of the most vocal critics so far has been Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), a freshman Republican Congressman who wasted no time taking direct aim at Crockett’s political record.

“Texans want somebody representing them who’s gonna stand for law and order,” Gill said in a statement released Thursday. “And that is certainly not Jasmine Crockett.”

Gill accused Crockett of siding with “defund the police radicals” and turning a blind eye to the escalating border crisis — two hot-button issues that continue to dominate Texas politics.

“You can’t pretend to care about Texas families while refusing to secure the border or support our law enforcement,” he added. “That dog won’t hunt in this state.”

Gill’s comments reflect what many see as the emerging Republican playbook: paint Crockett as too progressive, too urban, and too disconnected from rural and suburban voters who continue to lean red across much of the state.

A Rising Democratic Star with a National Profile

Despite the fierce pushback, Crockett enters the race with momentum. A former civil rights attorney and outspoken freshman lawmaker, she’s become a fixture on national television and a rising star within progressive circles.

Her fiery House speeches, sharp critiques of GOP policies, and unapologetic defense of reproductive rights and voting access have earned her praise from key Democratic figures and organizations. Many see her as the type of bold, unfiltered voice the Democratic Party needs to make inroads in Southern states like Texas.

In her announcement speech, Crockett said the Senate needs “a fighter, not a fence-sitter.”

“I’ve seen firsthand how injustice operates — in the courtroom, in our communities, and in Congress,” she said. “It’s time Texans had a senator who isn’t afraid to tell the truth or take on broken systems.”

Her campaign has already drawn endorsements from progressive PACs and several influential Texas Democrats, signaling a likely grassroots fundraising surge in the coming weeks.

Policing and the Border Take Center Stage

Still, the attacks from the right are expected to intensify, especially on the issues of crime and immigration. Crockett has been a vocal critic of police misconduct and has supported legislation to increase police accountability. Republicans argue this makes her vulnerable with moderate voters and law enforcement groups.

Her record on border security is also under scrutiny. While Crockett has supported humanitarian protections for migrants and pushed back on militarized border policies, Republicans say her positions are too lenient amid ongoing concerns about illegal crossings and drug trafficking.

“Texas is the front line of America’s border crisis,” said Texas GOP Chair Matt Rinaldi. “We can’t afford to send someone to the Senate who doesn’t even believe it’s a crisis.”

The Road Ahead: Can a Democrat Win Statewide in Texas?

The big question now is whether a candidate like Jasmine Crockett can break through in a state that has consistently rebuffed Democratic Senate hopefuls for decades.

Democrats see opportunity. The state’s urban centers — Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio — continue to trend blue, and younger, more diverse voters are making up an increasing share of the electorate. Texas also has a history of electing bold political personalities, and Crockett’s firebrand persona could help energize voters who often sit out midterm and off-year elections.

But her path is far from clear.

Republicans remain deeply entrenched in statewide offices. High-profile figures like Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. Ted Cruz have weathered controversies and continued to win. And with Texas now a GOP stronghold in the U.S. Senate, flipping a seat would require unprecedented voter mobilization — particularly among suburban moderates and independents.

Political analyst Dr. Ryan Morales of UT Austin says Crockett’s path is narrow but not impossible.

“If she can build a coalition that includes young voters, Black and Latino communities, and disillusioned moderates, she could turn heads. But she’ll need to overcome brutal opposition messaging and serious funding gaps.”

The Trump Factor

Though not directly involved in the race (yet), former President Donald Trump looms large over the political dynamic. His endorsement remains a kingmaker in GOP primaries, and Republican Senate candidates vying to oppose Crockett will likely compete for his favor.

Crockett, in turn, has frequently called out Trump for “normalizing extremism” and “undermining democracy,” framing her Senate run as part of a broader battle for American values.

“This isn’t just a Senate race,” she told supporters. “It’s a referendum on who we are, and who we’re becoming.”

What’s Next

As the primary season looms, all eyes will be on Texas. Crockett’s campaign plans to tour over 30 counties in the next two months, focusing on voter registration and local listening sessions. Meanwhile, Republican challengers are expected to begin their media blitz within weeks.

One thing is certain: the race for Texas’s Senate seat is no longer a quiet affair. It’s a full-blown political battle, and Jasmine Crockett is right at the center of it — whether Texas is ready or not.