Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, known for her outspoken criticism of Donald Trump, has officially entered the race for a US Senate seat in 2026. The Texas representative filed the necessary paperwork following ex-congressman Collin Allred’s decision to withdraw from the Senate race and instead pursue a seat in the House. Allred cited concerns about a potentially divisive primary as his reason for stepping aside.
Crockett, considered a rising star within the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, is expected to address the public at a press conference in Dallas. Her entry into the primary sets the stage for a contest against state Rep. James Talarico. The winner of this primary will then face either the Republican incumbent, Sen. John Cornyn, or a challenger from within the Republican party, such as AG Ken Paxton.
Crockett’s rise to national prominence has been fueled by her sharp rhetoric, including controversial statements like branding Trump as “Temu Hitler” and describing his supporters as “mentally ill.” However, her political journey has not been without scrutiny, extending beyond just her choice of words.
Financial Scrutiny and Ethical Concerns
Questions have been raised regarding Crockett’s campaign finances. Recent filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) reveal that her campaign spent at least $75,000 on expenses such as luxury hotels, transportation, and security. This level of spending has drawn attention and sparked debate about the appropriateness of such expenditures.
Furthermore, Crockett is facing scrutiny over her stock trading activities while serving in Congress. She reportedly traded 25 stocks, a detail that came to light based on information disclosed during her time as a state legislator.
Adding to the controversy, Crockett allegedly failed to disclose her ownership of these stocks during her 2022 congressional campaign and after assuming office in 2023. The stocks in question included shares in major companies like Amazon, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson, and Aurora Cannabis.
The undisclosed holdings and debts, which reportedly total over $110,000, have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that some of these companies could have potentially benefited from legislation that Crockett supported in both the Texas legislature and in Congress.
Cannabis Interests and Disclosure Issues
Beyond her stock holdings, Crockett, who is a civil rights attorney and a vocal advocate for marijuana decriminalization, also has business interests in the cannabis industry. Her firm, Black Diamond Investments, reportedly sought dispensary licenses in Ohio.
Adding another layer of complexity, she simultaneously represented a defendant in a fatal case related to marijuana while also sponsoring legislation that promoted the cannabis industry.
Ethics experts have suggested that the discrepancies between Crockett’s financial disclosures in Texas and at the federal level could warrant investigation. If proven to be improper, these omissions could potentially lead to penalties.
Crockett’s alleged omissions also include debts owed to financial institutions and a private individual reportedly linked to a home she appears to have rented in Dallas.
While it remains unclear whether she still holds the stocks or owes the debts, the fact that these details were not disclosed raises questions about transparency and adherence to congressional financial reporting regulations.
Controversial Social Media Post and Remarks
In July, during deadly floods in Texas that resulted in over 100 fatalities, Crockett posted on Instagram, expressing her personal distress at having to “survive” under the Trump administration. The post also included a mention of her new haircut.
The initial caption of the post read: “I just wanted to jump on for a sec to discuss the Texas Flash Floods, the trashy bill, & moving forward.” She later added an edit: “My staff said y’all are commenting about my BOB! Thank you @jacorean_ for orchestrating the look.”
In the video accompanying the post, Crockett discussed the tragic floods and conveyed a sense of sincerity, while also highlighting her new hairstyle.
Furthermore, despite the Democratic Party’s emphasis on inclusive language when referring to individuals with disabilities, Crockett referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels.”
Viral Exchange and Other Controversies
Crockett gained significant national attention following a viral exchange with Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in 2024, during which she referred to Greene as a “bleach blonde bad built butch body.” Her campaign subsequently moved to trademark the phrase.
She also faced criticism for falsely claiming on the House floor that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and other Republicans had received donations from Jeffrey Epstein. Crockett alleged that Republicans had taken money from “somebody named Jeffrey Epstein” during a debate on November 19.
Zeldin clarified that the donation had come from Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, a physician unrelated to the disgraced financier. Crockett later walked back her statement on CNN, stating that she never meant “that” Epstein.