As the race for Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s seat heats up via competitive primaries on both sides of the aisle, Democratic rising star U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett said we’ll have to wait to see whether she’s jumping in.
Backstage at a Monday night fundraiser organized by Dallas Democrats, Crockett told political blogger Howdy Politics she will make a decision by Thanksgiving. Her formal announcement, whatever that may be, will follow on Dec. 8.
“No one else will know until Dec. 8, but I will know,” Crockett said. “I’ve given myself until the week of Thanksgiving.”
Despite not yet announcing her candidacy, Crockett is polling high among Democratic contenders in the race.
An early survey by the National Republican Senatorial Committee of 566 likely Democratic primary voters showed Crockett leading the pack at 35%, compared to former Congressman Colin Allred’s 20%. Hypothetical candidates Beto O’Rourke and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro both pulled 13%.
However, that poll doesn’t include Texas Rep. James Talarico, who appears to be in strong shape at the moment, far outraising both Allred and Cornyn within just a few weeks of his campaign announcement.
A poll of likely Texas voters released late last month by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas shows a hypothetical run by Crockett in a near tie with Allred. She had 30% support in that survey, compared with Allred’s 32%.
In that same poll, MAGA acolyte Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has a two-point lead over incumbent Cornyn, who’s viewed as more of an old guard Republican.
However, both Republicans were underwater. Paxton has a favorability of 28%, and Cornyn was even lower at 24%. Meanwhile, Cornyn’s unfavorability rating stands at 46% and Paxton’s at 44%. Not exactly a glowing endorsement by likely Texas voters.
The possibility of the scandal-plagued Paxton besting Cornyn in the primary has caused Democrats to see a rare window of opportunity in a state where Republicans have won every statewide election since 1994.
“I’ve pulled together an amazing team to really see if we can do what I think we can do,” Crockett told Howdy Politics. “And then I’m taking advice from people who have run way bigger races than this.”
Even though many count Texas out when it comes to state-level Democratic victories, Crockett said she doesn’t plan to follow the old playbook, insinuating that her fresh approach might make all the difference. Also, her built-in name recognition and star power on the national stage can’t hurt.
“A lot of people don’t believe in Texas and I understand why — it’s been over 30 years [since Democrats held a statewide office],” Crockett said. “And we would have to run a different race. I would absolutely have to be a different candidate.”
