GOP Celebrates as Democrats Shift Hard Left in Texas
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Trump and the GOP openly welcomed the surprise news that Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) was jumping into the Democratic primary for his Senate seat. Crockett immediately pushed out former Rep. Colin Allred, a far more moderate Democrat who already struggled statewide. Her entrance now forces Democrats into a bruising primary between two progressives — Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico — a matchup Republicans believe gives them a major advantage.
Cornyn told Semafor he was more than pleased, joking that he’d “try to wipe the smile” off his face and calling Crockett’s entry into the race “a gift.” He noted that Allred at least fit the mold of a typical Democrat, but Crockett, he said, is anything but.
Crockett Immediately Attacks Cornyn — And Trump
During an appearance on Fox News, anchor John Roberts played a clip of Crockett launching her campaign with an attack on Cornyn’s support for President Trump — a message that only boosts Republican enthusiasm.
Crockett claimed:
“Senator John Cornyn does not have the guts to stand up to Trump… all you’re doing is bending the knee, kissing the ring, and running ads about how you vote 99% of the time with Trump.”
For conservative voters who strongly back Trump’s America-First agenda, Crockett’s message may have the opposite effect Democrats intend.
Cornyn Fires Back: “AOC Politics Won’t Work in Texas”
Roberts asked Cornyn what he thought of Crockett becoming the likely Democratic nominee.
Cornyn said that Kamala Harris only pulled roughly 42% of the vote in 2024, and he doesn’t expect Jasmine Crockett to hit even that number. He argued she’s essentially “Texas’s version of AOC,” and that kind of politics might play in New York, but it won’t fly in Texas.
For older Texas voters concerned about border security, crime, inflation, and national stability, Cornyn framed Crockett’s progressive politics as out of touch with the state’s values.
Will Trump Endorse Cornyn? Senator Responds
The conversation then turned to Cornyn’s own primary, where President Trump has so far withheld an endorsement between Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Trump commented Monday that he’s fond of both men, calling them friends and noting that each brings something unique to the table.
Roberts asked Cornyn how he planned to secure Trump’s backing — especially since Cornyn frequently highlights that he votes with the president almost 99% of the time.
Cornyn responded:
“I talk to President Trump frequently — most recently Sunday. I’ve enjoyed working with him and want him to be successful. He’ll endorse when he’s ready. In the meantime, we are fully focused on the March 3 primary, and I expect we’ll win. Would an endorsement help? Absolutely. But that’s up to him.”
Why This Race Matters for Conservatives
Crockett represents the far-left direction of the modern Democratic Party — a direction that routinely alienates swing voters, moderates, and older Texans. Her attacks on Trump and her embrace of progressive policies may energize activists, but Cornyn is betting that Texas voters want experience, stability, and alignment with the America-First priorities that continue to define national politics.
If Crockett becomes the nominee, the race could become a clear referendum between Trump-aligned leadership and aggressive far-left activism — a contrast that overwhelmingly favors Republicans in Texas.