Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat, said she is “seriously weighing” a Senate run in the Lone Star State, with polls indicating she could be a favorite in the Democratic primary.
Democrats face a challenging path in next year’s Senate elections, pushing them to target conservative states like Texas to secure a majority. Currently, Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority.
Democrats see GOP-held seats in Maine, which supported former Vice President Kamala Harris by about seven points, and North Carolina, which favored President Donald Trump by roughly three points, as top chances to flip the chamber.
However, since no other GOP-held seats in Harris-won or close Trump states are up for reelection next year, Democrats must compete strongly in states like Texas, where polls suggest a competitive race.
If Crockett enters the race, it could reshape the Democratic primary, which already features several well-known candidates vying for the nomination.
Crockett, elected to the U.S. House in 2022, has attracted national attention for her outspoken opposition to President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris named her as a Democrat who is “authentic” when discussing future leadership of the party.
Newsweek has contacted Crockett’s campaign and office for comment via email.
Summary: Jasmine Crockett’s possible Senate run signals a strategic Democratic effort to flip a key GOP seat in Texas amid a tough national Senate landscape.