In a recent controversy, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas has faced backlash from Republican leaders for her remarks about Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair. During a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles, Crockett referred to Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels,” igniting a political firestorm. She added, “Y’all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there. And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot (expletive) mess, honey.”
On Tuesday, Crockett took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify her comments, denying any intention to insult Abbott's disability. “I wasn’t thinking about the governor’s condition—I was thinking about the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear among the most vulnerable,” she stated. Crockett's remarks were aimed at Abbott's controversial migration policies, which have recently come under scrutiny.
Governor Greg Abbott, who has been paralyzed from the waist down since a tree fell on him during a jog at age 26, has been a prominent figure in Texas politics. He is a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and has implemented policies that include busing migrants to predominantly Democratic cities, a program that reportedly cost Texas over $148 million from 2022 to 2024, according to NPR.
Following Crockett's comments, Republican leaders quickly condemned her statement. The National Republican Congressional Committee highlighted her remarks, stating, “Recent polling shows Crazy Crockett as one of the leaders of the Democrat Party. This is who they are.” Additionally, Texas Republican Rep. Randy Weber announced plans to introduce a resolution to censure Crockett, labeling her comments as “vile levels of discrimination and despicable political attacks.”
Crockett responded to the backlash, expressing her disbelief that those who support Trump—who has a history of making derogatory comments about disabilities—are now expressing outrage. “Keep that same energy for all people, not just your political adversaries,” she remarked on X, emphasizing the hypocrisy in the criticism she faced.
At 43 years old, Jasmine Crockett is recognized as a rising star within the Democratic Party. Since her election to the House in 2022, she has gained national attention for her confrontations with staunch Trump supporters. Notably, she has been vocal in her opposition to policies that she believes promote inequality and discrimination.
Crockett represents the 30th Congressional District in north Texas, which includes parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties. Her outspoken nature has made her a prominent figure in discussions surrounding race and equity, particularly in relation to recent legislative proposals like the Dismantle DEI bill introduced by Republican Rep. Michael Cloud.
As this political saga unfolds, it remains to be seen how Crockett’s remarks will impact her career and the broader political landscape in Texas.
