As speculation swirls about whether Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett will enter the U.S. Senate race, she says she has spoken with some potential opponents.
Crockett told CBS News she plans a “special announcement” in Dallas at 4:30 p.m. Monday, about 90 minutes before the state’s candidate filing deadline, but added, “I cannot confirm what I will be announcing.” She acknowledged calling several current candidates last Sunday to discuss polling she had received and to answer questions.
At 44, Crockett has built a national profile and fundraising network in under four years in Congress, boosted by frequent cable news appearances and active social media posts highlighting clashes with Republicans in committee hearings.
She has not ruled out a Senate bid, saying she would only run if polling she commissioned showed she could win a general election by expanding the electorate and attracting new voters.
Former Dallas Rep. Colin Allred and state Rep. James Talarico of Austin are already campaigning for the Democratic nomination. They would face whoever emerges from a contested GOP primary that includes Sen. John Cornyn, Rep. Wesley Hunt and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
A University of Houston–Texas Southern University poll conducted between late September and Oct. 1 found Crockett leading a hypothetical Democratic primary with 31%. Talarico and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (who is not running) were tied at 25% each, Allred had 13% and 6% were unsure. The same poll showed Cornyn, Hunt and Paxton beating Crockett in general election matchups, and other Democratic candidates also trailed the Republican contenders.
Crockett’s campaign said Talarico called her over the weekend but that no polling was shared. Allred did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Texas Democratic lawmaker monitoring the race said Crockett has been sharing internal polling with other contenders and noted her strong standing with the Democratic base, adding that the chances she runs now look “better than average.” Another Democratic operative, however, warned that while Crockett might win a primary, she would struggle to build the statewide support needed to defeat a Republican nominee, blaming outside advisers for encouraging the bid.
Jack Fink contributed to this report.