Controversial Censure Proposal Targets Texas Representative for Comments on Governor Abbott

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett faces potential censure after mocking Governor Greg Abbott’s disability with a “Hot Wheels” slur during a recent LGBTQ event in Los Angeles.

Quick Takes

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) referred to wheelchair-using Texas Governor Greg Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” at a Human Rights Campaign dinner.
Texas Republican Rep. Randy Weber has announced plans to introduce a formal censure resolution against Crockett.
Abbott has used a wheelchair since 1984 after an accident left him partially paralyzed.
Crockett claims her comments targeted Abbott’s immigration policies, not his disability.
If passed, Crockett would become the second House Democrat censured this year.

Controversial Comments Spark Republican Outrage

Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett of Dallas ignited a firestorm of criticism after referring to Texas Governor Greg Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” during a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles. Abbott, a Republican, has used a wheelchair since 1984 following an accident that left him partially paralyzed. The inflammatory remarks quickly drew condemnation from Republicans across Texas and Washington, with many calling for formal repercussions. Notably, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton denounced Crockett’s comments, while Senator John Cornyn pointed to what he sees as a double standard in how such comments are treated in the media.

The National Republican Congressional Committee seized on the controversy, with spokesman Mike Marinella declaring, “Jasmine Crockett is the perfect spokesperson for today’s Democrats, out of touch and completely unhinged.” This incident adds to Crockett’s reputation for provocative statements, having previously made controversial remarks about Elon Musk that also generated significant backlash. As National Co-Chair for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, Crockett’s comments have placed additional scrutiny on Democratic messaging heading into a contentious election season.

The juxtaposition of Jasmine Crockett, making fun of a man in a wheelchair while standing in front of a backdrop professing “human rights” is a perfect snapshot of leftism in 2025 pic.twitter.com/A3rdrXJI17

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) March 25, 2025

Formal Censure Resolution Underway

Texas Republican Representative Randy Weber has announced plans to introduce a formal censure resolution against Crockett for what he described as “disgraceful and vile attacks” against Governor Abbott. A censure represents a formal congressional rebuke, serving as a symbolic reprimand without removing the member from office. Weber’s draft resolution reportedly characterizes Crockett’s language as discriminatory and part of a consistent pattern of inappropriate remarks that violate congressional standards of conduct and decorum.

If the resolution passes, Crockett would become the second House Democrat censured in 2025, following Rep. Al Green of Texas. While the censure would not remove Crockett from office, it would stand as a formal expression of congressional disapproval of her conduct. Several Republican lawmakers have already voiced support for Weber’s initiative, highlighting what they see as inappropriate mockery of a disability, regardless of policy disagreements.

Crockett’s Defense and Pattern of Controversy

Crockett has attempted to defend her remarks by claiming they were targeted at Abbott’s policies rather than his disability. In a statement addressing the controversy, she specifically referenced Abbott’s immigration policies, saying, “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.” Critics have questioned this explanation, noting the direct reference to Abbott’s wheelchair use.

Since taking office in 2023, Crockett has gained national attention for her confrontational style and viral moments during congressional hearings. Known as a rising star in the Democratic party, she has built a reputation for provocative statements that energize her supporters while drawing criticism from opponents. During the same speech where she made the controversial comments about Abbott, Crockett appeared to acknowledge her tendency for inflammatory rhetoric, stating, “Y’all pray for me because who knows what I’m going to end up saying.”