How Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run Could Completely Reshape U.S. Politics Right Now

In an explosive last-minute shakeup, Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced Monday (Dec. 8) that she’s running for U.S. Senate. The Root 100 honoree shared the news on the final day candidates can qualify for the primary election, and the support has already been overwhelmingly positive. Her star-power and influence is so fierce, that according to CNN, the frontrunner former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred dropped out of the Senate race.

Crockett used President Donald Trump’s “low IQ” insult to launch her Senate bid on X. “How about this new one they have? Their new star, Crockett. How about her? She’s the new star of the Democrat Party, Jasmine Crockett. They’re in big trouble,” Trump can be heard saying in the clip. ““Somebody said the other day, she’s one of the leaders of the party. I said you gotta be kidding.”

As Trump’s various shady comments rambled on, Crockett turned to face the camera before folding her arms and smiling with the text: “Crockett for U.S. Senate.”

Reactions were swift online.

“Texas, let’s send fearless, brilliant Jasmine Crockett to the Senate to fight for us like hell, she’s Texas Tough and exactly who we need!,” one person wrote.

Democratic strategist Adam Parkhomenko said, per Fox News, how “Republicans should be terrified. She’s smart, fearless, relentless, and she doesn’t back down from anybody. This is the matchup Texas deserves. Let’s go.”

What does Crockett’s Senate bid mean for America — particularly Black Americans? Her announcement came at a perfect time amidst major political shakeup in Texas. The state’s Republican are attempting to redraw the state’s congressional map, which would effectively eliminate a handful of safe Democratic districts, including hers, which could make her reelection more difficult.

Her Texas Senate bid is also critical to the national Democratic Party’s long-shot hopes of regaining a majority in the Senate, especially in the Lone Star State who is known for its deep-red history and far-right loyalty.

When asked by CNN host Laura Coates, “How will you make voters who previously voted for Trump — particularly given that you have been an outspoken critic, and he has inserted himself? […] How will you convert those who are supportive of him to voters for you,” Crockett didn’t mince words.

“Yeah, I don‘t know that we’ll necessarily convert all of Trump‘s supporters. That’s not our goal,” Crockett responded.