Politics has always had its share of the unconventional, but what we witnessed this week from Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett represents a new chapter in campaign strategy that deserves scrutiny.
The Democratic congresswoman officially threw her hat into the ring for a Texas Senate seat with a campaign video that turned the traditional political playbook on its head. Rather than introducing herself with the usual biographical highlights or policy proposals, Crockett built her entire launch advertisement around insults directed at her by President Trump.
The video shows Crockett standing silently while audio of the President plays in the background. His words are unvarnished: calling her “very low IQ,” questioning her leadership credentials, and suggesting the Democratic Party is “in big trouble” if she represents their rising talent.
It is a gambit that raises serious questions about the state of modern campaigning. Is this effective political judo, turning an opponent’s attacks into fuel for one’s own fire? Or does it reveal a concerning trend where candidates define themselves primarily through their adversaries rather than their own vision?
The reaction across the political spectrum tells us much about our divided moment. Liberal commentators praised the advertisement as brilliant and bold. Democratic strategists described Crockett as smart, fearless, and exactly what Texas needs. On the conservative side, the response ranged from mockery to pointed criticism about narcissism and substance.
At a campaign event following the video’s release, Crockett struck a defiant tone. She declared the gloves are off and positioned herself as ready for battle. Her remarks included the claim that Texas is not actually a red state, but rather a state where most residents simply do not vote. This assertion will certainly be tested in what promises to be a hard-fought race.
Crockett also revealed that polling data showing strong numbers for a Senate candidacy influenced her decision to leave the relative safety of her House seat. She framed the choice in dramatic terms, calling this moment “life or death” and “all or nothing” for Texas.
The congresswoman faces significant headwinds. Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994, a drought that spans three decades. Recent reports have also raised questions about her management style, with allegations of a toxic staff environment where employees were reportedly berated to tears.
Yet Crockett clearly believes that Trump’s attacks on her can be transformed into political capital. In an era where attention is currency and outrage drives engagement, perhaps she has calculated correctly that being attacked by the President is worth more than any endorsement.
The coming months will reveal whether Texas voters respond to this approach. Will they see a fighter willing to stand up to presidential criticism? Or will they question a candidate who launches a statewide campaign primarily by showcasing someone else’s opinion of her?
What remains clear is that this race will be watched nationally as a test case for Democratic strategy in red and purple states. The question is not just whether Crockett can win, but whether her approach represents the future of political campaigning or simply a momentary attention grab in an increasingly noisy political landscape.
Texas voters deserve a campaign focused on solutions, leadership, and vision for the future. Whether they get that remains to be seen.
Related: Colin Allred Exits Texas Senate Contest Hours Before Crockett’s Expected Announcement
