Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett is being scrutinized for comments she made Monday evening about Greg Abbott, referring to the paralyzed governor of her state as "Governor Hot Wheels", but she says she was referring to his deportation methods, not his disability.
Newsweek reached out to Crockett's office for comment.
Why It Matters
Crockett, who was elected to the U.S. House in November 2022 and represents District 30 in Texas, has become one of the louder voices within the Democratic Party about issues ranging from budget cuts, culture war issues and the perceived power of Elon Musk.
Last month, she accused "mediocre white boys" of being the loudest to complain about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Earlier this month, she was vocal about Democrats "carrying the load" for voters across party lines due to purported disenfranchised Republicans questioning President Donald Trump, Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during local town halls.
She's told members of the press that Musk should "f*** off."
Attorney General Pam Bondi warned Crockett on Sunday to "tread carefully" in her purported messages to have Musk "taken out" on her March 29 birthday—the same day that over 500 protests are expected to take place nationally as part of the so-called Tesla Takedown.
What To Know
Abbott was 26 years old in 1984 when he was jogging in a west Houston neighborhood, and a large oak tree along his path cracked and fell on his back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He suffered several crushed vertebrae splintering into his spinal cord, broken ribs and damage to vital organs.
On Monday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)—the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization—hosted its annual dinner in Los Angeles, California, to gather hundreds of advocates and members from across the country.
Crockett was one of the invitees. About four-and-a-half minutes into a 21-minute speech, Crockett brought up her state and Abbott.
"We in these hot a** Texas streets, honey," Crockett said. "Y'all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there, c'mon now. The only thing hot about him is that he is a hot a** mess."
People in the crowd could be heard laughing and clapping at the comments. Crockett then made a quick joke about "going off script."
A spokesperson for Abbott referred Newsweek to remarks the governor made Tuesday evening on Fox News' Hannity program, where he said: "It's another day and another disaster by the Democrats."
Newsweek reached out to the HRC for comment.
At about 3:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Crockett posted about the incident on X, formerly Twitter.
"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," Crockett wrote.
"Literally, the next line I said was that he was a 'Hot A** Mess,' referencing his terrible policies. At no point did I mention or allude to his condition. So, I'm even more appalled that the very people who unequivocally support Trump—a man known for racially insensitive nicknames and mocking those with disabilities—are now outraged."
During his first presidential campaign in 2015, President Donald Trump appeared to mock New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who suffers from a congenital joint condition called arthrogryposis.
"Now, the poor guy—you've got to see this guy!" Trump said of Kovaleski during a rally in South Carolina.
What People Are Saying
Greg Abbott said on Fox News' Hannity program: "The reality is, [the Democrats] have no vision, no policy. They have nothing to sell but hate, and Americans are not buying it. It's one reason why Texas is going to remain red and why Republicans are going to continue to win elections across the country."
"The bottom line is that Republican states like Texas are leading the way, and with comments like this by Democrats, we will just leave them in the dust in future elections," he added.
The National Republican Congressional Committee's press secretary, Mike Marinella, said: "Jasmine Crockett is the perfect spokesperson for today's Democrats: out of touch and completely unhinged. When you've got no message and no agenda, all that's left is hate."
Turning Point CEO Charlie Kirk said on X: "Jasmine Crockett continues to embarrass herself, the state of Texas, and the U.S. Congress. Gov. Abbott was paralyzed at the age of 26 when an oak tree fell and crushed his spine while jogging. This woman is trash."
Libs of TikTok on X: "Gov Abbott is in a wheelchair because he became paralyzed from an accident. This is sickening."
What Happens Next
Abbott broke his silence on Crockett's remarks on Fox News nearly 24 hours later.
Update 3/26/25, 11:41 a.m. ET: This article was updated with remarks from Greg Abbott.
