As speculation mounts over a possible Texas U.S. Senate campaign, Rep. Jasmine Crockett says she has been in touch with some Democrats already running.
Crockett told CBS News she will make a “special announcement” in Dallas at 4:30 p.m. Monday, roughly 90 minutes before the state’s candidate filing deadline, but she would not confirm what she plans to declare. She acknowledged calling several current candidates last Sunday to discuss polling she had commissioned and to answer questions.
At 44, Crockett has quickly raised her national profile and built a fundraising network during less than four years in Congress, aided by frequent cable news appearances and active social media posts that often highlight clashes with Republicans in committee hearings.
She has not ruled out entering the Senate race. Crockett says she would run only if the polling she commissioned indicated she could win a general election by expanding turnout and attracting new voters.
On the Democratic side, former Dallas Rep. Colin Allred and state Rep. James Talarico of Austin are already campaigning. They would face the eventual Republican nominee 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 taken from late September through Oct. 1 found Crockett leading a hypothetical Democratic primary with 31%. The same poll showed Talarico and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke—who is not running—tied at 25% each, Allred at 13% and 6% undecided. That survey also showed Cornyn, Hunt and Paxton beating Crockett in general election matchups; other Democratic contenders trailed the Republican candidates as well.
Crockett’s campaign said Talarico called her over the weekend but did not share any polling. Allred did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Texas Democratic lawmaker tracking the race said Crockett has shared internal polling with other contenders and noted her strong standing with the party base, adding that her chances of running now look “better than average.” Another Democratic operative cautioned that, while Crockett might prevail in a primary, she could struggle to build the broader statewide coalition needed to defeat a Republican nominee, and suggested outside advisers were encouraging the bid.
Jack Fink contributed to this report.