WASHINGTON — There’s plenty of reason to be skeptical of Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s chances in Texas’ U.S. Senate race. While Crockett’s television hits and podcast interviews delight liberals, she’s only ever won in safely Democratic seats. Her preferred strategy of focusing on increasing base voter turnout has little track record of success. Republicans are openly ecstatic about her decision.
But if Democratic elected officials share this skepticism, they’re unwilling to say it out loud. They’re also not willing to fully back her campaign or endorse her over her primary opponent, state Rep. James Talarico.
“It’s entirely possible that she can put together a good campaign,” said Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.).
“She’s an outstanding person and an important voice in her state,” added Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).
“I’m obviously focused on the House, not the Senate,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), declining to speak on the ambitions of one of the most high-profile members of his caucus.
