Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said Wednesday she is “strongly considering” a bid for the open U.S. Senate seat in Texas, telling SiriusXM listeners that recent polls and political developments have convinced her the Democratic primary is winnable, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.
“Every other day, there’s a poll that comes out that makes it clear that I can win the primary for the U.S. Senate race in Texas,” Crockett said. “And I am looking.” A recent survey cited by Crockett’s camp put her at 31 percent support in the Democratic primary, about six points ahead of her nearest rival.
Crockett’s comments come after the Texas Legislature redrew congressional districts earlier this year. She told reporters the decision to pursue a statewide campaign is in part a response to the redistricting that split her current House seat.
“If you want to take my seat of 766,000 away, I feel like there has to be some karma in that to where I take your seat that is for 30 million away,” she said.
The Dallas-area congresswoman said her final call on entering the race will hinge on her team’s ability to “expand the electorate.” “The question will be whether or not we believe that we’ve got enough juice to expand the electorate,” Crockett said.
“If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race.”
If Crockett does formally enter the contest, she would first have to prevail in a crowded Democratic primary.
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Should she win the nomination, she would likely face a Republican opponent such as Sen. John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton in the general election; Rep. Wesley Hunt is also among Republicans seeking the GOP nomination.
Crockett’s potential candidacy has prompted immediate reaction from analysts and political operatives on both sides of the aisle. Supporters point to her name recognition and strong polling in the Democratic primary as signs she could consolidate the party’s progressive base.
Critics and Republican strategists argue her profile could make the general election easier for GOP nominees in a state that remains Republican-leaning in statewide contests.
The congresswoman has cast her interest in the Senate seat in both political and personal terms, saying she wants to respond to what she called an attempt by state lawmakers to dilute her district.
Texas Republicans have defended the redistricting plans as part of routine legislative work to reflect population shifts and ensure equal representation.
Crockett enters the conversation at a moment of intense attention on Texas politics. The seat is considered a top target for Republicans seeking to maintain or expand their Senate margin and a potential pickup for Democrats aiming to make inroads at the statewide level.
A contested Democratic primary could narrow resources and focus ahead of the general election.
Crockett did not set a timetable for a formal announcement. Her statement Wednesday made clear, however, that she is actively assessing polling, organizing capacity and voter-expansion strategies before deciding whether to file for the primary ballot.
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