House Republicans Target Rep. Crockett with Censure Over Abbott Comments

Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett faces potential censure after mockingly referring to wheelchair-using Governor Greg Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” at a Los Angeles event, leading Republican lawmakers to call for formal disciplinary action.

Key Takeaways

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels” during a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles.
Texas Republican Rep. Randy Weber is introducing a formal censure resolution against Crockett, calling her remarks “disgraceful and vile.”
Crockett claims her comments targeted Abbott’s policies on migrants, not his disability, though prominent Republicans have condemned her remarks as discriminatory.
If successful, the censure would make Crockett the second House Democrat censured this year, following Rep. Al Green (D-Texas).
Governor Abbott has used a wheelchair since 1984 after an accident that left him partially paralyzed.

Controversial Remarks Spark Backlash

During a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a first-term Democrat from Dallas, referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels,” a derogatory nickname referencing his use of a wheelchair. Governor Abbott has been partially paralyzed since 1984 when a tree fell on him during a jog. Crockett continued her comments, “The only thing hot about him is that he’s a hot mess,” remarked Crockett. The remarks quickly drew widespread condemnation from Republicans across Texas and Washington.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton did not mince words in his response, calling Crockett “despicable” for targeting Abbott’s disability. Senator John Cornyn similarly criticized the congresswoman, suggesting a double standard in media coverage “Crockett’s comments are disgraceful. Can you imagine if a Republican said something like this? It would be on front page of NYT and all over CNN,” expressed Cornyn.

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

Push for Congressional Censure

Texas Republican Congressman Randy Weber announced plans to introduce a formal censure resolution against Crockett, describing her comments as unbecoming of a member of Congress. “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 and despicable political attacks – are nothing short of reprehensible,” Weber stated in his announcement of the censure effort.

Weber’s draft resolution reportedly characterizes Crockett’s language as discriminatory and part of a pattern of inappropriate remarks. A censure, while not removing a member from Congress, serves as a formal expression of disapproval by the legislative body. If passed, Crockett would become the second House Democrat censured in 2025, following Rep. Al Green of Texas, who was censured in February.

Crockett’s Defense and Political Background

Crockett has defended her remarks, claiming they were aimed at criticizing Abbott’s policies rather than mocking his disability. “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 said in her defense of the controversial comments.

Since taking office in 2023, Crockett has established herself as a confrontational figure in Congress. She currently serves as National Co-Chair for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and has gained prominence within the Democratic Party. The National Republican Congressional Committee seized on the controversy with spokesman Mike Marinella stating, “Jasmine Crockett is the perfect spokesperson for today’s Democrats – out of touch and completely unhinged.” This incident adds to Crockett’s history of provocative statements, including previous controversial comments about Elon Musk that also drew Republican criticism.