Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett kicks off Texas Senate bid, seeking John Cornyn’s seat

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced her Senate bid Monday at a Dallas campaign event — significantly reshaping the state’s Democratic primary race.

“There are a lot of people that said, ‘You got to stay in the House. We need our voice. We need you there.’ And I understand,” Ms. Crockett told supporters. “But what we need is for me to have a bigger voice.”

She is running for the seat held by GOP Rep. John Cornyn, joining state Rep. James Talarico in the Democratic primary in March.

Ms. Crockett, a staunch Trump critic, has been debating a Senate run for weeks.

Texas’ congressional map was redrawn to be more GOP-friendly in the U.S. House, as Republicans hope the new map can net as many as five additional House seats.

The Supreme Court ruled last week that Texas can use its new map for the 2026 midterm elections, overturning a lower court decision that blocked it.

With Ms. Crockett’s decision, Democrats are expected to shift their seats.

Rep. Marc Veasey is anticipated to campaign for Ms. Crockett’s seat and would face opposition from Ms. Crockett’s pastor, Frederick D. Haynes III, who announced Monday he is running as a Democrat in her district.

“I’m so excited I can’t even hide it. Why? Because whenever justice needs a defender and democracy needs a bodyguard,” Mr. Haynes said at Monday’s event. “Who you gonna call? Jasmine Crockett.”

Democratic Rep. Julie Johnson is set to file for the new district for Mr. Veasey’s seat.

Former Rep. Colin Allred, who ran for Senate two years ago against GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, ditched his Senate bid Monday to run for the House, citing a desire to avoid a messy primary and the likelihood of a runoff. He would face off against Ms. Johnson.

Democrats need to snag four Senate seats to take control from Republicans in Washington, as a significant number of seats are up for election.

The Republican primary is expected to be contentious, featuring four-term incumbent Mr. Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.

“Jasmine Crockett leading her primary is the latest sign that the Democrat Party is being run by radical leftists,” said National Republican Senate Committee spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez in a statement Monday. “Crockett said herself no Texas Democrat is beating John Cornyn, and the threat of her in the U.S. Senate makes it clearer now than ever that Cornyn is the only conservative who will keep Texas red and safeguard President Trump’s Senate Majority.”

Ms. Crockett, a two-term representative from Dallas, had to decide between filing for reelection for her current House seat or tossing her hat into the Senate ring. The announcement came right before the filing deadline.

The former state representative and civil rights lawyer has become a prominent thorn in President Trump’s side, with each sharing heated exchanges. She has also had public clashes with other Republicans, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Texas Democrats have not won a statewide election since 1994. But the party saw hope in 2018 when former Rep. Beto O’Rourke came within 2 points of defeating Mr. Cruz.

In November 2024, Texas backed Mr. Trump with 56.1% of the vote and Mr. Cruz with 53% of the vote.

Republicans have previously shown excitement for her potential Senate run, believing she would not win a general election. 

Ms. Crockett brings fundraising with her, as her campaign contributions have already surpassed $6.5 million, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Mr. Talarico has racked up $6.2 million.

An October poll from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University showed her leading a hypothetical primary against Mr. Talarico. Betting platform Polymarket showed Mr. Talarico in the lead. 

At the Monday event, speakers from city council members to local labor unions spoke her praises.