Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett denounced JD Vance’s characterization of her as a "street girl" at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, calling the remark a racially charged trope. Crockett defended her record and authenticity on MS NOW and on social media, where she also referenced Jan. 6 and former President Trump. She filed for the Texas U.S. Senate race ahead of the Dec. 8 deadline and currently leads the Democratic primary in recent polling. The GOP primary between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton remains contested.
Jasmine Crockett Calls Out JD Vance’s ‘Street Girl’ Remark as Racist — Defends Record and Leads Senate Primary
Vance at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference. / OLIVIER TOURON / AFP via Getty Images
Texas Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett sharply condemned a remark by Republican JD Vance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, calling the comment part of a pattern of racist tropes aimed at undermining her credibility.
At the conservative conference, Vance — a Republican senator and ally of former President Donald Trump — said: "Jasmine Crockett! Oh, Jasmine Crockett, the record speaks for itself. She wants to be a senator, though her street-girl persona is about as real as her nails!" The comment drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Crockett, 44, responded forcefully on MS NOW and on social media. In an interview with Antonia Hylton on The Weekend: Primetime, she accused Vance of "trying to rile up his base" and defended both her qualifications and authenticity.
"At the end of the day, I am who I am, and I am authentic. And that is actually what they are fearful of, my authenticity," Crockett said. "It rings true that I am fighting for real, everyday people. And instead of talking about policy, when you’re talking about ‘the record speaks for itself,’ baby, let’s talk about your record."
Crockett said she has faced similar "racist tropes" throughout her life but rose to become a U.S. Congresswoman despite them. "It will not be different when I become a U.S. Senator," she added, inviting Vance to debate policy if they ever meet on the Senate floor.
Host Antonia Hylton agreed on air that Vance’s language appeared intended to create a demeaning caricature of Crockett — a portrayal many Black women recognize as racially coded and derogatory.
The war of words started over Crockett’s efforts to succeed Sen. John Cornyn in Texas. / Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Campaign Context
Crockett filed official paperwork to enter the Texas U.S. Senate race hours before the state’s Dec. 8 filing deadline. Polling cited in the original report shows Crockett leading the Democratic primary at roughly 51% to State Representative James Talarico’s 43%. Early voting begins Feb. 17, 2026, ahead of the March 3 primary.
On the Republican side, the race has become contentious between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who launched his campaign in April. The polls referenced placed Paxton ahead at about 29% to Cornyn’s 24%.
Social Media Response And Jan. 6 Reference
Crockett also answered directly on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "Imagine commenting on someone’s nails while at the same time ignoring that the only reason you got your political ‘dream’ job was because your boss incited a violent mob who wanted to hang your predecessor for, oh I don’t know, honoring his oath to the Constitution?!" The post referenced former President Trump and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, during which some rioters chanted "Hang Mike Pence." Trump has repeatedly denied that he incited the crowd.
She added: "How about you stop worrying about me, until we are on the Senate floor together & work to stop your boss from bankrupting our country while engaging in the largest corruption scheme we’ve ever seen?!"
Representatives for JD Vance and the White House were contacted for comment, according to the report.
Note: This article corrects earlier ambiguous language by identifying JD Vance as a Republican senator and Trump ally rather than mislabeling his position.
