Controversial Remarks Lead to House Republicans’ Censure Attempt

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House Republicans have launched a formal censure against Rep. Jasmine Crockett for referring to wheelchair-using Texas Governor Greg Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” during a recent Los Angeles dinner event, igniting widespread condemnation and raising questions about decorum in Congress.

Quick Takes

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) called Greg Abbott “Governor Hot Wheels” during a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles, referencing his wheelchair use from a 1984 accident.
Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) is leading a formal censure resolution, calling Crockett’s comments “disgraceful and vile attacks.”
Crockett claims her remarks targeted Abbott’s policies on migrant transfers, not his disability.
Texas officials including Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn have denounced Crockett’s comments.
If passed, this would make Crockett the second House Democrat censured this year.

The Controversial Comments

During a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a first-term Dallas Democrat, referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels.” Abbott has used a wheelchair since 1984 when a tree fell on him while jogging, leaving him partially paralyzed. Crockett went on to say, “Ya’ll know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there! Come on, now. And the only thing hot about him is that he’s a hot [expletive] mess, honey.” The comments quickly spread on social media, drawing sharp criticism from Republicans across Texas and nationwide.

The controversy adds to Crockett’s growing reputation for confrontational politics. Since taking office in 2023, she has become known for viral moments during congressional hearings and has risen to prominence as National Co-Chair for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. Before her remarks about Abbott, Crockett seemed to anticipate controversy, “Y’all pray for me because who knows what I’m going to end up saying,” she told the audience. This self-awareness has done little to mitigate the backlash she now faces.

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

Republican Pushback and Censure Resolution

Texas Republicans have responded with unified condemnation. Attorney General Ken Paxton bluntly declared, “Jasmine Crockett is despicable,” while Senator John Cornyn noted, “Crockett’s comments are disgraceful. Can you imagine if a Republican said something like this? It would be on the front page of NYT and all over CNN.” The National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Mike Marinella declared Crockett “the perfect spokesperson for today’s Democrats – out of touch and completely unhinged.”

Leading the formal response, Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) has drafted a censure resolution that claims Crockett’s language was discriminatory and part of a pattern of inappropriate remarks. The resolution notes that a censure would be a formal expression of disapproval by the House of Representatives. While censure doesn’t remove a member from office, it serves as a serious symbolic reprimand. If passed, Crockett would become the second House Democrat censured this year, following Rep. Al Green (D-Texas).

Crockett’s Response and Defense

Facing mounting criticism, Crockett has defended her remarks by claiming they targeted Abbott’s policies rather than his disability. She specifically pointed to the governor’s transportation of migrants to communities led by Black mayors. “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 defended.

Crockett has further suggested that Republicans are using this controversy as a distraction from more pressing issues. This defense has not satisfied her critics, who point out that mocking physical disabilities crosses lines of basic decorum regardless of political disagreements. The incident marks another chapter in Crockett’s contentious congressional tenure, where her provocative style has both endeared her to progressive supporters and made her a frequent target of conservative criticism.