• Speaker predicts Texas will elect another Republican despite recent Democratic wins nationwide
• Crockett argues Mamdani comparison backfires since NYC mayor-elect defeated Trump's preferred candidate
• House Democrats counter by highlighting GOP losses in Georgia special election and Miami mayor race

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — Rep. Jasmine Crockett is reframing House Speaker Mike Johnson's dismissive comparison of her to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as an unintentional endorsement of her Texas Senate bid. At a Capitol press conference Wednesday, the Louisiana Republican made no attempt to hide his enthusiasm when asked about Crockett's last-minute entry into the 2026 race.

Johnson Celebrates Crockett's Candidacy

The Speaker rubbed his hands together and grinned before delivering his assessment. "I'm absolutely delighted that Jasmine Crockett is running for Senate in Texas. I think it's one of the greatest things that's happened to the Republican Party in a long, long time," Johnson told reporters.

Johnson grouped Crockett with Mamdani as representatives of the Democratic Party's direction, declaring them jointly "the face of the Democratic Party" before adding, "Good luck with that."

"I want her to have the largest, loudest microphone that she can every single day, and we look forward to having that election down there."

The Speaker predicted Texas would ultimately "elect another Republican senator," calling it "a red state" where "what Jasmine is trying to sell will not be purchased by the folks of Texas."

Crockett Flips the Script

The Dallas congresswoman fired back on social media, seizing on what she views as a strategic miscalculation in Johnson's Mamdani reference.

"He invoked Mamdani's name. Last time I checked, he got elected," Crockett responded. "He became the mayor over the president's choice. I mean, I'm good with becoming the senator."

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Crockett argued the comparison actually validates her approach. Mamdani won New York's mayoral race while maintaining sharp criticism of President Trump throughout his campaign, defeating the candidate Trump had endorsed.

"Mamdani has not backed down whatsoever from his rhetoric against the president," Crockett said. "He stood there and he said what he said about him being a fascist, yet he was able to win those voters."

Democrats Point to Recent Wins

House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar dismissed Johnson's comments as deflection from the GOP's shrinking House majority.

"I think Speaker Johnson is trying to do anything he can to distract from the majority that we see dwindling, and it's like sand falling through his hands," Aguilar told reporters.

Democrats pointed to Tuesday's victories, including flipping a House seat in Georgia and winning the Miami mayor's office for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Crockett's Path Forward

Crockett announced her Senate bid Monday, just hours after former Rep. Colin Allred dropped out of the race to pursue a House seat instead. She will face state Rep. James Talarico in the Democratic primary scheduled for March 3, 2026.

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On the Republican side, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn faces primary challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.

Can Crockett replicate Mamdani's success in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat statewide since 1994?

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