UPDATE: Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, revealed urgent safety concerns during her ongoing campaign for the US Senate. In a striking interview on the “Native Land Pod” podcast on October 24, 2023, Crockett shared that allies, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, are increasingly worried for her well-being as she seeks to secure a Senate seat.
Crockett detailed conversations with several Senate members, highlighting one unnamed senator who candidly advised her to take significant precautions. “There is one member who was like, ‘I think you can do it. Like, I have no doubts,’” she stated. However, the senator’s biggest concern was her safety, warning, “If you tell me that you are going to take all the precautions that you need to take, then go for it. But I don’t want you to become a sacrificial lamb.”
Echoing these sentiments, Harris expressed the need for Crockett’s safety, emphasizing, “The country needs you. I’m going to need you to make sure that you’re as safe as possible.” This advice comes at a time when the political climate is increasingly fraught with tension and hostility.
In a chilling revelation, Crockett mentioned she is in the process of being fitted for a bulletproof vest, stating, “I am not going to run without it.” She acknowledged the grim reality of her situation, reflecting on the courage required for those who paved the way before her. “It is a sad reality, but I think about the courage that had to exist for those that came before me,” she added.
Crockett’s campaign, launched earlier this month, has not been without its critics. While some Republicans have ridiculed her bid, reports suggest that even some Democratic colleagues are privately skeptical about her chances. “She might win a primary, but she ain’t winning a general in Texas,” one House Democrat anonymously told Axios.
The concerns surrounding Crockett’s safety are not new. Previously, in June 2023, she expressed her fears regarding threats to her life, stating, “I did criminal defense work, and I worked with true blue criminals and never had to worry about death threats.” She highlighted the distressing shift in her reality, saying, “Waking up and having to deal with death threats, having to think about where I go, how much security I have, because of all the hateful rhetoric that is circling, and a lot of it is spewed directly from the President of the United States himself.”
As Crockett navigates her campaign amidst growing safety concerns, the implications of her journey extend beyond politics. Her determination reflects a broader struggle that many women in politics face today.
NEXT: As the campaign progresses, all eyes will be on Crockett’s safety measures and how they influence her ability to connect with voters. The political landscape in Texas may shift dramatically based on her experiences and the challenges she faces. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.