Just when you thought Washington couldn’t get any more theatrical, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) appears to be rewriting the script — and not in a way the press corps appreciates.
The Dallas Democrat, now angling for a U.S. Senate seat, is reportedly tightening the screws on journalists as her statewide ambitions ramp up. According to a report from Semafor, Crockett’s campaign had one reporter shown the door at a Texas rally and allegedly summoned law enforcement when another tried to knock on her office door.
That’s quite a shift for a lawmaker who has enjoyed ample airtime and glowing coverage from friendly outlets.
At the center of the latest dust-up: Elaine Godfrey of The Atlantic.
Semafor, citing “three people familiar with the incidents,” reported that security removed Godfrey from a campaign rally Monday after she began asking questions. Godfrey has covered Crockett extensively, coverage that reportedly irritated the congresswoman.
Last year, Crockett allegedly informed the writer she was “shutting down the profile and revoking all provisions” before publication — an eyebrow-raising move for any elected official who claims to value transparency.
Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg didn’t mince words.
“In a democracy, elected officials answer questions from the press rather than hide from them. This is completely unacceptable behavior by Rep. Crockett and her team, and needs to be addressed immediately.”
Strong words — particularly from a media class that often runs interference for Democrats.
Semafor also reported, citing “two people familiar with the situation,” that Crockett’s campaign contacted Capitol Police when Edward-Isaac Dovere of CNN visited a campaign office earlier this month.
CNN has provided Crockett with a steady national platform for over a year, amplifying her sharp-tongued style and combative rhetoric. Yet when one of its own reporters came calling, the response was allegedly to involve law enforcement.
CNN declined to comment on the alleged Capitol Police call and disputed that Godfrey was ejected from the rally.
All of this unfolds as Crockett gears up for a bruising Democratic primary against Texas state Rep. James Talarico. The winner will advance to face either incumbent Sen. John Cornyn or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who are battling in their own GOP primary showdown.
The Senate race is a high-stakes contest for Democrats eager to finally “turn Texas blue,” a goal they’ve chased for years without success.
But if the early stages of Crockett’s campaign are marked by friction with the press — even traditionally sympathetic outlets — voters may be left wondering how a candidate who bristles at basic scrutiny plans to handle the unforgiving spotlight of a statewide race.
In the end, the irony is hard to miss: the very media ecosystem that helped elevate Crockett to national prominence now finds itself on the receiving end of a closed door.
