Progressive Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has officially filed to run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn, setting up what promises to be one of the most expensive and contentious races of the 2026 election cycle.
Crockett, a two-term Dallas representative known for inflammatory rhetoric and hardline progressive positions, launched her campaign Monday with a direct challenge to President Trump, declaring "I'm coming for you" at her announcement event. The congresswoman's campaign video featured Trump's past criticisms of her, signaling she plans to lean heavily into confrontation rather than moderation as she seeks statewide office in conservative Texas.
The entry comes as Democrats face an uphill battle in a state that hasn't elected a Democratic senator since 1988. Crockett will first face state Representative James Talarico in the March 3 Democratic primary, after former Representative Colin Allred dropped out of the Senate race Monday morning to pursue a House seat instead.
Republicans across Texas quickly welcomed Crockett's candidacy, viewing her as a deeply flawed candidate whose progressive positions are fundamentally out of step with Texas values. Senator Cornyn called her congressional record "theatrical and ineffective," noting her tenure has been "marked by deeply unserious public statements, little to no actual work for her constituents and over-the-top rhetoric and childish insults."
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has been openly encouraging Crockett to run, even commissioning polling showing her leading the Democratic primary—a clear sign they view her as the most beatable opponent. "Jasmine Crockett leading her primary is the latest sign that the Democrat Party is being run by radical leftists," said NRSC spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez.
Crockett's record raises serious concerns for Texans who value constitutional principles and limited government. She has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies including defunding law enforcement, and has gained national attention primarily through combative performances on the House Oversight Committee rather than substantive legislative achievements.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary, issued a statement predicting Crockett would "lose by double digits in the general." The Republican National Committee also weighed in, with spokesperson Delanie Bomar calling Crockett's candidacy "an embarrassment to Texas."
Crockett's campaign pitch centers on building what she calls a "multi-racial, multi-generational coalition" and promising to "hold President Trump accountable"—language that appeals to progressive activists but may alienate the moderate and conservative voters necessary to win statewide in Texas.
The congresswoman also attacked the recent Supreme Court decision allowing new congressional maps to take effect, claiming Republicans were "cheating" through redistricting—despite the constitutionally mandated process being approved by the nation's highest court.
On the Republican side, Cornyn faces his own competitive primary against Paxton and Representative Wesley Hunt, both of whom argue the longtime senator has been insufficiently aligned with President Trump and conservative principles. The contentious GOP primary has given Democrats hope they might have an opening, particularly if the divisive battle weakens the eventual nominee.
However, political observers note that Crockett's confrontational style and progressive positions may actually energize Republican turnout in the general election. Her national profile has been built largely on viral social media moments and cable news appearances criticizing Trump and Republicans—tactics that play well with the progressive base but could prove disastrous in a state where Trump won comfortably.
Democrats came closest to winning statewide office in 2018, when Beto O'Rourke lost to Senator Ted Cruz by just three points. Last year, Colin Allred lost to Cruz by 8.5 points, suggesting the state may be shifting back toward Republicans rather than toward Democrats.
The Texas Senate race will be a critical test of whether extreme progressive politics can gain traction in America's heartland, or whether voters will reject the radical agenda and defend constitutional principles and traditional Texas values. With both parties' primaries set for March 3, 2026, Texans will soon have their say.
