U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett officially launched her 2026 U.S. Senate campaign Monday, bringing her bold, outspoken style to a race that could reshape Texas politics. Speaking to supporters in Dallas, Crockett directly challenged former President Donald Trump, whose attacks have helped raise her national profile.
“Trump, I know you’re watching,” she said. “You’re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. I’m coming for you.”
A former civil rights attorney, Crockett leaned into her fighter persona with a campaign video that features Trump’s past insults before cutting to her smiling at the camera with the message: “Crockett for U.S. Senate.”
Her candidacy energizes many Democrats but also worries others who fear the uphill climb against Republican Sen. John Cornyn just got tougher. Crockett dismissed the criticism, saying Texas voters haven’t seen a campaign like hers. “Y’all ain’t never tried it the JC way,” she told the crowd.
Her announcement came hours after former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred dropped out of the Senate race to run for his redrawn House district, clearing a major primary rival from her path. State Rep. James Talarico, another Democratic contender, welcomed her into the race.
Cornyn, meanwhile, faces his own crowded GOP primary, with challengers including Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Trump has not endorsed, fueling competition within the Republican field.
Crockett’s move comes as Democrats hope GOP turmoil and shifting political maps might give them a rare shot at statewide victory. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro praised her run, calling her “a fighter” with a message that resonates beyond Texas.
As the 2026 cycle takes shape, Crockett’s entry signals a high-energy, high-stakes campaign—one that could make the Texas Senate race one of the most closely watched contests in the country.