Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is facing intense criticism after making a remark at a Human Rights Campaign dinner that many are calling a cruel mockery of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s disability. The controversial moment, which occurred over the weekend in Los Angeles, has gone viral, sparking bipartisan condemnation and renewing discussions around political decorum and respect for individuals with disabilities.
Crockett, a Democrat representing the Dallas area, referred to Governor Abbott — who has used a wheelchair since a life-altering accident in the 1980s — as “Governor Hot Wheels,” a comment that drew laughter from some in the crowd but quickly ignited outrage on social media. Abbott, who was paralyzed from the waist down after a large oak tree fell on him while he was jogging, has served as Texas governor since 2015 and is one of the most recognizable figures in the Republican Party.
Video of the event spread rapidly across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with many users condemning the comment as ableist and disrespectful. Critics argue that political disagreements should never veer into personal attacks based on a person’s disability or medical history.
Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn was among the first high-profile officials to weigh in, calling Crockett’s remarks “disgraceful.” “If a Republican had said something like this, it would be plastered across every major news outlet in the country,” Cornyn said in a statement on Monday. “This kind of rhetoric is beneath the dignity of public office.”
So far, Crockett’s office has not responded to multiple media requests for comment. As pressure builds, several disability advocacy organizations have also condemned the remark and called on the congresswoman to issue an apology.
“This is not about partisanship. It’s about respect,” said a spokesperson from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). “Making a joke at the expense of someone’s disability perpetuates stigma and has no place in public discourse, especially from elected leaders.”
Governor Abbott himself has not yet publicly addressed the incident. Known for his often stoic and strategic approach to criticism, Abbott has weathered numerous political attacks over his policies — ranging from immigration enforcement to education — but rarely responds to personal jabs.
The Human Rights Campaign, which hosted the dinner where the remarks were made, has not released a statement addressing the controversy. The organization, one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the nation, typically invites political allies to speak at its events, and Crockett has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights in Congress.
This is not the first time Representative Crockett has attracted national attention for her outspoken and often fiery rhetoric. She rose to prominence during the 2023 House Oversight Committee hearings with her sharp questioning and bold commentary, becoming a rising star in progressive circles. However, her latest comments risk damaging her reputation beyond the partisan base, especially among voters who expect higher standards of conduct from elected officials.
Backlash continues to mount, not only from Republicans but also from moderate Democrats and independent voters. Some critics argue that this moment highlights a growing trend of inflammatory political speech that crosses the line from disagreement to personal attack.
As of now, Crockett remains silent amid the uproar, but political analysts suggest a formal apology may be inevitable if she hopes to avoid long-term fallout.
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