President Donald Trump dismissed Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate bid as a republican gift, arguing that her entry into the 2026 Texas race only strengthens the GOP’s position in a state Democrats have failed to flip for decades. Speaking to reporters after landing in Pennsylvania, Trump said he “can’t imagine she wins,” calling the Texas Democrat “a low IQ person” and adding, “maybe she gets the Democrat nomination, but I think it’s a gift to Republicans.”
Trump continued his criticism, declaring, “She’s a terrible representative. I’ve watched her for the last two years, I can’t believe she’s a politician, actually.”
Crockett, a progressive lawmaker first elected in 2023, launched her Senate campaign Monday, presenting herself as the Democrat positioned to challenge Sen. John Cornyn, who is seeking re-election. In her announcement, Crockett said, “I’m done watching the American dream on life support while Trump tries to pull the plug. The gloves have been off, and now I’m jumping into the ring.”
She insisted her late entry reflected political momentum, telling supporters, “Many people wonder why I jumped in this race so late… I couldn’t ignore the trends… this moment we’re in now is life or death.” Crockett also argued she could break the state’s 30-year Democratic drought, declaring, “Can we win this race in November? I’m here to say, ‘Yes, we can!’”
With multiple Democrats stepping aside and GOP contenders challenging Cornyn from the right, Trump’s characterization of Crockett’s run as a republican gift underscores how both parties view Texas as a defining battleground in 2026.
