Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has found herself at the center of controversy after making a remark about Governor Greg Abbott that many have deemed offensive. During a speech at a Human Rights Campaign event in Los Angeles, Crockett referred to Abbott, who has used a wheelchair since 1984, as “Governor Hot Wheels” before adding, “And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot [expletive] mess, honey.”
The comment quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from conservatives and some moderates who accused Crockett of attacking Abbott’s disability rather than his policies.
Backlash and Calls for Censure
Republican lawmakers wasted no time in responding. Texas Rep. Randy Weber announced plans to introduce a resolution to formally censure Crockett, calling her remarks “disrespectful and unbecoming of a member of Congress.” If passed, this would mark the second Democratic censure in the House this year and the fifth since Republicans took back the majority in 2023.
The Texas GOP slammed the comments as “ableist and cruel,” with some party leaders calling for an apology. Governor Abbott himself has not directly addressed the insult, instead focusing on policy issues.
Crockett’s Defense: Aimed at Policy, Not Disability
As the backlash grew, Crockett attempted to clarify her statement. She insisted that her words were meant to criticize Abbott’s policies—particularly his controversial migrant relocation program, which has sent asylum seekers to cities led by Black mayors.
“I was attacking his policies, not his disability,” Crockett explained in a follow-up interview. She argued that Abbott’s treatment of vulnerable communities deserved more outrage than her choice of words.
Political Fallout: A Bigger Debate on Rhetoric
The controversy has ignited a broader conversation about political discourse in America. While some Democrats defended Crockett, saying the real issue is Abbott’s policies, others warned against using language that could be perceived as personal attacks.
At a time when political tensions are already high, this incident underscores the challenges of balancing sharp political critique with respectful dialogue. Whether this controversy will fade or escalate into formal disciplinary action remains to be seen—but for now, Jasmine Crockett is in the national spotlight like never before.