Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in Texas, says she can fire up her party’s base while also peeling off independents and moderate Republicans.
“Number one, we have people running for every state house, state Senate, as well as U.S. House race. We haven’t had that since the 90s,” Crockett said.
She argued Democrats should lean into unity rather than internal or ideological fights.
“What I think is most important is that we don’t focus on what divides us, but focus on what unites us,” she said.
Crockett, who has built a national profile with her bombastic, far-left style, said that edge is a political asset rather than a liability. However, primary polls in the race show her trailing state Rep. James Talarico.
“Our campaign is about putting Texans first,” she said. “I think that the fact that I am a fighter is actually what’s going to motivate all people to want to vote for me.”
She also urged Democrats to keep their message centered on everyday concerns, calling on the party to zero in on cost-of-living pressures and education.
“I think if anyone wants to talk to you about something other than affordability, you need to tell them to talk to the hand,” Crockett said.
On guns, Crockett, who has described herself as a “gun-toting Texan,” said she backs background checks and red flag laws.
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“I believe we need background checks. I believe we need red flag laws,” she said, pointing to her work on a mental health care board and her background as a criminal defense attorney.
Crockett, who clearly needs to make up ground with moderates to have any shot in the primary, said she believes a “very basic kind of middle ground” is still possible when it comes to gun legislation, even in a deeply divided political climate.
