Texas Democrats are entering a turbulent Senate primary season, and Republicans say the outcome is already clear.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s recent announcement that she is running for the U.S. Senate has drawn sharp reactions from GOP leaders, including Sen. John Kennedy, who dismissed her bid as out of touch with Texas voters.
Appearing Sunday on “My View with Lara Trump,” Kennedy questioned whether Crockett’s campaign reflects the political reality of the Lone Star State. He argued that Democratic leaders continue to misread the priorities of Texas voters, particularly when it comes to national politics and President Donald Trump.
“They need to tell her that the voices in her head are not real,” Kennedy said, criticizing what he described as an unserious approach to a statewide race.
Campaign Built Around Attacking Trump
Crockett formally launched her Senate campaign earlier this month with a video posted on X, where she made opposition to President Trump the centerpiece of her message. The video featured audio clips of Trump’s past criticisms while Crockett stood on camera, signaling that her campaign would focus heavily on attacking the president rather than local issues.
Her announcement quickly intensified political divisions in Texas and prompted swift pushback from Republicans, who argue that national Democratic talking points rarely translate into statewide victories.
Kennedy said Crockett’s policy agenda would not resonate with Texas voters and predicted her campaign would struggle to gain traction outside progressive circles.
GOP Pushback Grows
At her campaign kickoff event in Dallas, Crockett accused Trump of harming working Americans, claiming he was threatening Social Security and Medicare while supporting tax policies that benefit the wealthy. She framed her candidacy as a response to what she described as inaction in Washington.
Kennedy strongly rejected those claims, saying Crockett’s record and messaging put her “on the wrong side of every major issue” facing Texas. He suggested her Senate bid could ultimately end her time in Congress.
“I don’t want anybody to be in Congress who doesn’t want to be here,” Kennedy said. “If people are unhappy, they shouldn’t hold the seat.”
He added that voters are unlikely to reward candidates who appear more focused on political theatrics than governing.
Democrats Call Her a Rising Star
Despite Republican criticism, Crockett’s supporters continue to promote her as a rising figure within the Democratic Party. She has built a large social media following and frequently attracts media attention for her outspoken and confrontational style.
Crockett joins state Rep. James Talarico in the Democratic primary. The race shifted dramatically when former Rep. Colin Allred exited the contest just hours before Crockett announced her candidacy, leaving Democrats scrambling to consolidate support.
Republicans Confident Seat Stays Red
Kennedy reiterated his confidence that Texas will remain firmly in Republican hands, arguing that Crockett’s message does not align with the values of most Texas voters.
“The people of Texas will never embrace her message,” he said, questioning the strategy behind her campaign.
“But this is America,” Kennedy added. “You have the freedom to make choices—even bad ones.”
As the Senate race begins to take shape, Republicans view Crockett’s entry as further evidence that Democrats are misreading the Texas electorate, reinforcing GOP confidence heading into November.
