Jasmine Crockett’s Last-Minute Move Could Shake Texas Senate Battle

With the state’s Dec. 8 filing deadline approaching, will U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett be jumping into the Texas Senate race? She has scheduled a “special announcement” in Dallas for Monday at 4:30 p.m. — a last-minute timing that has fueled expectations of a statewide bid.

Crockett has been openly weighing the race for weeks. In an interview with MS NOW, she said, “I am closer to yes than I am no,” and argued that she could compete statewide by expanding the electorate. She has commissioned internal polling and has spoken with Democratic contenders Colin Allred and James Talarico about her deliberations.

Her potential entry would reshape a primary that until now featured just Allred and Talarico. 

A September survey from the University of Houston Hobby School found Crockett leading a hypothetical Democratic Senate primary with 31%, ahead of James Talarico and Beto O’Rourke, who each drew 25%.

A Senate run by Crockett would also set off shifts in North Texas congressional politics. CBS News Texas reported that Rep. Marc Veasey plans to run in the newly drawn 30th Congressional District if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the 2025 map, a move that assumes Crockett’s seat would be open. 

Punchbowl News similarly noted that Veasey “won’t run against Crockett,” suggesting he expects her to pursue statewide office.

Democrats had hoped to settle their lineup quickly to avoid a prolonged primary while Republicans navigate their own contentious contest featuring Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. 

Instead, a three-way Democratic field would likely extend the race to a May runoff, increasing the financial and organizational demands on each campaign.

Crockett, who has built a national profile through committee clashes and cable news appearances, has insisted she would run only if data showed a realistic statewide path. As she said on MS NOW: “The numbers are the numbers.” Monday’s announcement will reveal whether she believes they add up to a Senate campaign.