Outgoing Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing renewed criticism after making comments about Gov. Greg Abbott's disability in a video posted to her X account on Wednesday. In the post, Crockett said Abbott became "part of the DEI class" because he is "uniquely abled, or actually he ain't abled."
The incident that left Abbott partially paralyzed and wheelchair-bound occurred when a tree fell on him while jogging at age 26. The governor's office directed inquiries to his X response, where he posted an AI-generated photo of himself in a superhero suit with the caption "Uniquely abled." Crockett claimed Abbott became wealthy through legislation that allowed him to sue following the incident.
Crockett's latest remarks follow similar controversy in 2025 when she referenced "Governor Hot Wheels" during a campaign event, which critics said also alluded to Abbott's wheelchair use. At that time, Crockett released a statement saying she was not thinking about the governor's condition but rather his immigration policies, and she noted that supporters of former President Donald Trump had previously mocked people with disabilities.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican critics and conservative commentators have condemned Crockett's remarks as inappropriate and offensive. Fox News contributor Joe Concha posted on X: "'I only mocked a paraplegic and suddenly people have a problem with me,'" adding criticism of what he characterized as her dismissive attitude. Other social media users expressed confusion and frustration, with one account asking, "How does she think of this ridiculous stuff she says." Texas Republicans have pointed to the comments as evidence of Crockett's willingness to make personal attacks on political opponents rather than engaging with policy disagreements substantively.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive voices have pointed out that critics who are now expressing outrage over Crockett's remarks previously defended Trump's history of mocking individuals with disabilities. In her 2025 statement, Crockett argued: "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." Some Democratic allies have noted that Crockett has been a vocal critic of Abbott's policy positions, particularly on immigration, and argue her comments should be evaluated in that context rather than as personal attacks on his disability.
What the Numbers Show
Crockett launched a Senate bid but lost the Democratic primary in March 2026. She did not seek re-election to her House seat, meaning her time in Congress will conclude when the new session begins in January 2027. This marks the end of her four years representing Texas's 33rd congressional district. The controversy comes as Abbott continues serving his third term as governor, having been first elected in 2014 and re-elected multiple times despite the 1984 incident that left him partially paralyzed.
The Bottom Line
The backlash against Crockett highlights ongoing tensions between political rhetoric and disability representation in public discourse. With her congressional tenure nearing its end following her Senate primary loss, the episode represents one of the final notable controversies of her time in office. What remains to be seen is whether the incident will affect her post-Congress plans or shape how she engages with Texas politics going forward. Crockett's office did not provide additional comment when contacted by Fox News Digital.