Jasmine Crockett’s character matters in the race for the Senate
Let me start by saying that when something moves me — a piece of art, a memorable meal, the content of someone’s character — and I keep it to myself, I feel like I’m doing the community a disservice. Good things are meant to be shared.
That’s why a perfectly-tailored moment in Versace, an evening with Susie Hess or dinner at the Clifton Club feel like small celebrations of a life well lived. And more recently, it’s why I’ve been telling folks to tune in to Jasmine Crockett’s Telephone Town Halls.
Say what you will, but I don’t see many elected officials making it that easy for constituents to participate alongside them. That matters. Access matters.
The content of Jasmine Crockett’s character matters.
Meeting her in person is part of what kept me in politics when I might have otherwise stepped away. Back when I was cutting my teeth with the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas, she showed up as a bright, fresh face — ready to help, not posture. That sticks with you.
So what, a politician is friendly? Yes. It is a big deal. It’s a very big deal that the people we elect are, in fact, good people. (Fool me once, 2016.)
When COVID hit, those of us working to keep our coalition safe were roiled and embattled, trying to steady something that felt like it was coming apart at the seams. Through it all, Jasmine stepped up.
When she decided to run for HD 100 and Stonewall Dallas endorsed her over Lorraine Birabil — whom we also love — the room was nearly split down the middle. Fittingly, the margins mirrored the primary election Jasmine went on to win. I wasn’t even her constituent yet, but something told me the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent were strong in her.
One Juneteenth, while I was doing my usual voter-registration merry-go-round, we got a chance to shoot the breeze. I could drop the outward-facing mask — the fatigue, the heat intolerance, all of it — and just talk. Jasmine makes it that easy. She means what she says, she says what she means, and she tries not to say it mean.
And she’s funny! Not rehearsed funny; real funny. I found myself in a conversation with someone who wasn’t pandering but meeting me at my level. That’s rare.
As the Democratic primary approaches, contrasts between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico are worth noting. Style, experience and electoral appeal matter — especially in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat statewide in more than three decades.
One area of difference is how each integrates faith into public life. Talarico speaks openly about how Christianity informs his worldview. For some voters, his progressive framing resonates. For others — especially in a general election context — religious language in political settings can feel abstract.
In Texas, where faith identity often shapes political decisions, nuance matters.
Crockett’s approach is less doctrinal and more relational. When she appears at houses of worship, she emphasizes shared values — service, justice, accountability — rather than theology. It’s community-centered rather than sermon-centered.
That distinction may seem subtle, but it can be powerful in a diverse electorate.
Their public personas diverge in other ways. Crockett’s national profile has grown through high-visibility confrontations and her work defending civil rights and voting access. She’s known as someone unafraid to challenge power directly.
Talarico emphasizes pragmatic policy solutions and measured rhetoric. Both styles have value. But in an era where attention shapes momentum, Crockett’s visibility has shifted the dynamics of the field.
Recent Democratic primary polling reflects that momentum. Crockett holds a pronounced gender advantage, leading decisively among women likely to vote. In a party where women make up a significant share of the electorate, that’s structural.
She also performs strongly among voters who believe she can mobilize low-propensity Democrats — a critical factor in off-year elections where turnout determines everything.
And turnout is the game. Texans are worried about healthcare access, job security and inflation. Voters aren’t just looking for policy white papers; they’re looking for authenticity paired with action.
Crockett’s emphasis on expanding the electorate and energizing historically under-engaged voters aligns with what data increasingly shows: The Democratic base responds to candidates who combine clarity, conviction and relatability.
Taken together — her appeal among women and minority voters, high name recognition and demonstrated ability to motivate turnout — Crockett appears well positioned to secure the Democratic nomination and mount a competitive general election challenge.
But beyond polling and positioning, here’s what keeps me talking about her: character. When something is good — truly good — I feel compelled to share it, whether it’s a great meal, great company or a public servant who shows up with sincerity.
To learn more about Jasmine and her campaign, go to JasmineForUs.com, and don’t forget:
The lower a candidate is on a ballot, the closer they are to your front door.
This column reflects the opinion of the author. It does not constitute an endorsement by Dallas Voice.