Early Wednesday, Texas State Representative Jasmine Crockett confirmed rumors of her running for the U.S. Congressional TX-30 district seat. She received formal backing and kind words from the current seat holder, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, who announced her retirement just days prior.
Johnson, a Democrat, held the district seat for almost three decades and endorsed Crockett as the next to be elected. Crockett’s primary focus, if elected, would be on topics such as voting and reproductive rights, she says.
Johnson made a statement giving her backing for Crockett’s campaign during Wednesday’s press conference.
Johnson’s statement reads, “A vibrant congressional district like TX-30 needs a representative in Washington with high energy, a passion to fight for us, shrewd intelligence, leadership, and an incessant drive…after proudly serving the City of Dallas and Southern sector for 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, I firmly believe that Texas State Representative Jasmine Crockett is just the person we need in Congress at this critical time.”
A crowd was shown behind the stage, holding signs in support of Crockett. Crockett replied to Johnson’s backing, saying, “I feel so proud to think that she would think that I’m worthy.”
Crockett has roots as a defense and civil attorney and currently holds a seat in the State House representing Dallas in Texas House District 100. According to Ballotpedia, District 100 represents around 160,000 people, with around 3 quarters of the population being black and Hispanic.
Comparatively, U.S. House District 30 covers around 790,000 people and represents a large portion of densely populated South Dallas.
State Rep. Crockett was the only African American freshman in the Texas State Legislature and had ambitious goals for her first session. She claimed that no other House freshman filed more bills than her. She passionately engaged the House with bills that “sought to reform policing, expand voting options, and loosen drug laws,” The Tribune wrote.
Crockett said she lost faith in her chances of passing bills in the Texas House during a discussion over House Bill 1900. The bill, which Abbott signed in May, punished cities that attempted to dismantle police forces.
Crockett argued, “Instead of us doing something to protect people in this state, we decide to punish, punish people who are already suffering. That’s what’s wrong in this House.”
None of Crockett’s proposed bills passed during her time as a freshman. Now Crockett is back with ambitions for U.S. House District 30.
Before Wednesday’s press conference, Crockett stated, “My first term is starting to wrap up, but the work remains, and the calls continue to come.”
She said that when politicians such as Abbott or Trump “back them into a corner,” they should be ready to “think twice.” Crockett has been an active voice against Abbott’s policies. “I represent a district of fighters and people who know how to throw a punch when our backs are against a wall,” Crockett told reporters.
District 30 has been in the sights of a variety of candidates for the March primary. Along with Crockett, Dallas’ Jane Hamilton and Vonciel Jones Hill are two other possible contenders for the seat.