DALLAS — Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) has officially launched her 2026 U.S. Senate campaign, framing her candidacy as a direct challenge to President Donald Trump and a high-stakes fight for the future of Texas politics. Filing just hours before the state’s deadline Monday, the 44-year-old progressive firebrand leaned into the combative rhetoric that has made her a rising national figure — and a polarizing one within her own party.

Speaking before supporters in Dallas on Monday night, Crockett opened her campaign with an unmistakable message straight to Trump.

“Trump, I know you’re watching. You better get to work because I’m coming for you. You’re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas.”

The line, delivered to a cheering crowd, leaves little doubt that Crockett intends to center her campaign on a direct repudiation of Trumpism — even as she seeks statewide office in one of the country’s most reliably Republican battlegrounds.

A Silent Video With a Loud Message

Crockett previewed her announcement with a short campaign video posted earlier Monday. She says nothing in the clip; instead, Trump’s previous insults — including calling her a “very low IQ person” — play over the screen as Crockett crosses her arms, smiles, and stares directly into the camera. The screen cuts to black with a simple message:

“Crockett for U.S. Senate.”

It was a clear signal that Crockett intends to turn Trump’s frequent attacks into political fuel — and into a branding strategy that distinguishes her from more cautious Democrats.

A Late Entry That Reshapes the Democratic Field

Crockett’s move immediately upended the Democratic primary.

Just hours before her announcement, former Rep. Colin Allred — considered one of the party’s strongest statewide contenders — abruptly exited the Senate race and announced he would instead run for his old House seat. Allred acknowledged that he had spoken to Crockett, calling their discussion “professional” and “friendly.”

CNN previously reported that Crockett encouraged Allred to step aside, citing polling she says shows her in a stronger general-election position.

Another rising Democrat, state Rep. James Talarico, remains in the race and welcomed Crockett’s entry, saying:

“Our movement is rooted in unity over division — so we welcome Congresswoman Crockett into this race.”

Still, Democratic strategists privately worry that Crockett’s aggressive style — which electrifies grassroots progressives — may alienate moderate Texans in a state no Democrat has won statewide in over 30 years.

Republican Backlash: “Worst Possible Candidate”

Sen. John Cornyn, the Republican incumbent seeking reelection, wasted no time framing Crockett as unelectable.

“She’s the worst possible candidate Democrats could put up in Texas,” Cornyn told reporters.

Cornyn faces a contentious GOP primary featuring:
• Attorney General Ken Paxton
• Rep. Wesley Hunt
• Several lesser-known challengers

Trump has so far declined to endorse any candidate, intensifying the scramble for MAGA loyalty.

Internal Democratic Maneuvering and Redistricting Chaos

Texas’ unprecedented mid-cycle redistricting this summer further scrambled the political landscape.

• Rep. Marc Veasey and Crockett coordinated their filings, but Veasey ultimately chose not to seek reelection and instead run for Tarrant County judge.
• Allred will now run in the heavily reshaped 33rd District, setting up a showdown with Rep. Julie Johnson, who criticized him for “parachuting back” after ending his Senate bid.
• Rep. Joaquin Castro praised Crockett, calling her a “fighter” with a message “resonating across the country.”

Strategists say Democrats view the 2026 Senate race as a potential — though difficult — pickup opportunity, especially with Republicans battling internally and national political tides shifting.

Democrats need to flip four seats next year to retake the Senate majority.

Crockett’s Pitch: “You Ain’t Never Tried It the JC Way”

Crockett dismissed concerns that her unapologetically confrontational style is ill-suited for Texas.

“Turning Texas blue is what I want to talk about today,” she told supporters.
“There are those who say, ‘Ain’t no way — we done tried this 50 kinds of ways.’ Let me be clear: Y’all ain’t never tried it the JC way.”

She vowed to mobilize voters who typically stay home, invoking Barack Obama’s early critics as an example of why Democrats should ignore conventional wisdom.

A High-Risk, High-Reward Candidate

Crockett has gained national prominence through viral committee hearings, fiery exchanges with Republican lawmakers, and frequent verbal clashes with Trump.

Her strengths:
• A massive social media presence
• National fundraising network
• Strong appeal among younger and progressive voters

Her weaknesses:
• Deep hostility from conservatives
• Skepticism among moderates
• A long record of incendiary comments Republicans plan to weaponize

Even Rep. Cornyn acknowledged she’s likely to win the Democratic primary — and Republicans are already preparing to define her as a “far-left extremist.”

The Road Ahead

Texas remains a formidable challenge for any Democrat. But with Cornyn wounded by primary challengers, Paxton embroiled in long-standing legal troubles, and Trump looming over the race, Democrats see a narrow but credible opening.

Crockett, for her part, appears unfazed by the odds.

She isn’t talking like a candidate preparing for a symbolic run.

She’s talking like someone preparing for a fight — directly with Donald Trump.