Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett has drawn intense criticism for mocking Governor Greg Abbott during her speech at a Human Rights Campaign event in Los Angeles over the weekend. Referring to Abbott, who uses a wheelchair due to a debilitating injury, Crockett called him "Governor Hot Wheels," eliciting laughter and cheers from the audience.
During her remarks on March 25, 2025, Crockett said, "You all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there. Come on, now. And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot-ass mess, honey." These comments sparked an uproar, particularly among Republican lawmakers and social media users who deemed them disrespectful and discriminatory.
Greg Abbott, now 67, was paralyzed in 1984 when a large oak tree fell on him while he was jogging, severely damaging his spine. Since then, Abbott has built a significant political career, having been elected as Texas’ 48th governor in 2014 and serving another term after being reelected in 2022.
Crockett, who was elected to the House in 2022, was met with a chorus of condemnation following her remarks. Texas Senator John Cornyn took to X to express his outrage, stating, "Crockett’s comments are disgraceful. Shameful." Critics on social media echoed similar sentiments, with Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk referring to Crockett as "trash" and questioning her intellect by labeling her as the "dumbest member of Congress" even surpassing controversial figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In the aftermath, Crockett attempted to clarify her remarks, asserting that she was not referring to Abbott's condition but rather criticizing his policies. She posted on X that she was talking about Abbott using planes and trains to transfer immigrants from Texas to cities like New York and Philadelphia, claiming this act deliberately stoked tensions in communities led by Black mayors.
Despite her clarification, the backlash continued. Crockett was criticized for seemingly mocking a person with a disability, prompting many to question her judgment. Users on X were divided; while some found her comments humorous, others described them as "low blows" and "sickening," warning that if a Republican were to make similar remarks, the outrage would be magnified.
Adding to the mounting criticism, fellow Republican lawmaker Rep. Randy Weber announced plans to introduce a resolution to formally censure Crockett. He characterized her comments as “discriminatory in nature” and expressed dismay at her disregard for Texas decorum. Weber stated, "The story of our great governor of Texas is one of unwavering resilience and perseverance. Meanwhile, the actions of Jasmine Crockett – stooping to vile levels of discrimination – are nothing short of reprehensible." He emphasized that her behavior does not represent the values of either Texas or the country.
Echoing these thoughts, Attorney General Pam Bondi called Crockett’s remarks “domestic terrorism,” highlighting her statements about tech billionaire Elon Musk from the previous week when she insinuated that he should "be taken down." These controversies have put Crockett in a spotlight, where her tendency to push boundaries has drawn both supporters and harsh critics.
The governor's office has not yet commented on the incident. Meanwhile, public interest grows as both sides of the political spectrum respond to Crockett's remarks, setting the stage for possible repercussions within Congress and her standing in Texas politics.
This incident raises important questions about political discourse and respect across party lines, particularly regarding how public figures handle sensitive subjects like disability. As Crockett navigates the fallout, her future actions may either exacerbate her controversies or lead to a reevaluation of her approach to dialogue.
In many ways, this episode reveals the polarizing nature of contemporary politics and the fine line public figures walk as they engage in critiques of their opponents. The complexities of communication around disabilities and the reception of humor in political contexts will continue to be scrutinized as the events unfold.
