Rep. Jasmine Crockett Withdraws from Key Oversight Committee Leadership Race, Vows to Stay Vocal

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) has officially stepped away from the race to become the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee, which has been at the center of recent scrutiny into President Joe Biden’s cognitive health.

The Texas congresswoman, known for her bold rhetoric and progressive stance, confirmed to reporters on Monday that she would no longer seek the ranking member position after failing to gain sufficient support from her colleagues.

“It was clear by the numbers that my style of leadership is not exactly what they were looking for,” Crockett admitted candidly. “And so I didn’t think it was fair for me to continue pushing forward. I respect the will of the caucus.”

During an internal Democratic vote held Monday night, the top spot was awarded to Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), who secured enough backing to defeat Crockett and two other contenders. Crockett revealed she came in last out of the four candidates, saying party leadership made it clear she wasn’t their preferred choice.

“They were clear that I was the one that made the least sense in their minds,” she said. “I accept that, and I think you have to make sure you’re able to work with leadership if you want to step into leadership.”

Despite the setback, Crockett emphasized that she remains committed to her work and intends to continue being a vocal and passionate advocate for her constituents.

“I’m still going to be loud and proud. I’ll be a team player, because at the end of the day, we’ve got to move forward as a country and as a party,” she said. “I don’t want to be an impediment to that.”

Fiery Comments Stir Controversy

Crockett’s decision to withdraw comes on the heels of remarks she made during a recent appearance on Katie Couric’s “Next Question” podcast, which have sparked renewed controversy across the political spectrum.

In a wide-ranging interview, Crockett expressed her frustration with the current state of American politics, taking aim at former President Donald Trump and his supporters. She argued that the United States is in the midst of a national “mental health crisis” brought on by Trump’s rise to power.

“Honestly, I think electing Donald Trump revealed how much help this country really needs,” Crockett told Couric. “We’re in a mental health crisis. And the fact that he has millions of loyal followers makes that painfully obvious.”

The Texas Democrat didn’t hold back, labeling Trump’s supporters as “sick” for embracing what she described as dangerous and authoritarian behavior. She specifically pointed to the recent military parade held in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which was supported by Trump and his allies.

“This idea that we don’t care who gets hurt, that we treat our service members like political pawns—it’s just sick,” she said. “And anybody who supports that, in my opinion, is also sick.”

Crockett’s comments drew backlash from conservatives and some moderates, who accused her of vilifying millions of Americans and showing disrespect to the military.

A Call for Republican Normalcy

In one of the more surprising moments of the interview, Crockett lamented the decline of what she described as “regular Republicans,” invoking former President George W. Bush as an example.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I would give anything to have someone like George Bush back,” she said. “He was a Republican, yes, but he was a rational one. Today’s GOP has lost its way. Trump isn’t a traditional conservative—he’s something else entirely.”

Crockett went on to say that the military and democratic institutions are under threat, not from foreign enemies, but from domestic forces emboldened by Trump’s leadership.

“My heart breaks for the service members who swore an oath to defend democracy, only to now find the biggest threat is coming from within—from their own commander-in-chief,” she said. “It’s painful to watch.”

A Shift in the Democratic Ranks

Though Crockett’s remarks have stirred criticism, they reflect a broader frustration among many progressive Democrats who feel their party should be more aggressive in confronting Trump and his political influence.

Her withdrawal from the Oversight Committee leadership race may signal deeper divides within the Democratic ranks, as members weigh the benefits of fiery advocacy versus more traditional, coalition-building leadership.

For her part, Crockett says she’s undeterred.

“I’ll keep fighting. I’ll keep calling things out. That’s what I was elected to do,” she said. “But I also understand that leadership sometimes requires a different approach. And if I’m not the right fit for that role right now, I’ll support the person who is and keep doing my part.”

As the political battle over President Biden’s mental fitness continues to unfold, Crockett’s voice—whether in a leadership role or not—is unlikely to go quiet.