Jasmine Crockett Faces Fact Check from Gov. Abbott

An ongoing clash between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) over the GOP’s redistricting has intensified, with concerns regarding Black representation at the center. Crockett argued that GOP-drawn maps will weaken minority voting power. Abbott has defended the maps, claiming that they will enhance Hispanic representation.

Crockett said, “It’s not just even the fact that it’s gerrymandering. I want to be clear, this is racial gerrymandering, specifically in the state of Texas.”

Abbott claimed Democrats have misstated the proposal’s impact and argued that minority voters do not vote as a bloc. He noted that the maps include four predominantly Hispanic districts.

However, critics argue that Abbott did not directly address the mathematical or demographic basis of Crockett’s claims.

Abbott said, “First of all, it wouldn’t be a day that ends in the letter Y if Jasmine Crockett didn’t say something racist.”

Abbott added, “But second, her ‘facts’ are wrong, because the facts in Texas are under the maps that we are drawing, four of the new seats will be predominantly Hispanic seats. The problem that Democrats have in the state of Texas is Hispanics, black voters and other voters, they have learned now that the ideas that Democrats stand for are contrary to the ideas that the Hispanic community and black community stand for. They all want secure borders, they don’t want men and women’s sports and they want support for law enforcement.”

Crockett called the maps racial gerrymandering, arguing Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters would lose influence—a contention echoed by critics who say the maps dilute minority voting strength.

Crockett said, “No, I mean, honestly, when Trump came in the first time, they started to lift the hoods. Once Trump got in a second time, they decided the hoods were off. And listen, I’m perfectly fine with it because I want to know where you stand.”

Crockett added, “I want to know that you’re a despicable human being who lacks all morality, but wants to go around and teach and preach Christianity. I want to know who you are, because then I know how to deal with you. It is unfortunate that that is where we are, and it is one reason that it is so difficult for minorities to even try to listen to Republicans, because they consistently coddle people like neo-Nazis.”

Crockett stated, “Right now, African-Americans are only gonna have one fifth of the voting power they should have in the state of Texas and we know that our Latino brothers and sisters will only have one-third of the voting power, and frankly, Asians, which is one of the fastest-growing demographics in the state of Texas, have literally no power.”

Democratic lawmakers in Texas have fled the state to delay GOP redistricting efforts, but are expected to return in the coming days.

Written by Jennifer White