Rep. Jasmine Crockett is again facing backlash after comments about Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s disability resurfaced in a new form, reigniting a controversy that has followed her over the past year.
In a video posted to X, Crockett referenced the accident that left Abbott partially paralyzed decades ago, when a falling tree struck him during a jog. She stated that the incident made him part of the “DEI class,” adding, “he is uniquely-abled, or actually he ain’t abled.” The phrasing, particularly the shift from “uniquely-abled” to “he ain’t abled,” quickly drew criticism online and from political opponents.
Crockett also referenced Abbott’s legal settlement following the accident, suggesting it contributed to his financial standing after changes in legislation allowed him to sue.
Abbott, who was 26 at the time of the injury, has used a wheelchair ever since and has spoken publicly over the years about the impact of that moment on his life and career.
The governor did not issue a direct statement in response but instead posted a stylized image of himself in a wheelchair depicted as a superhero, accompanied by the phrase “Uniquely abled.” The response sidestepped direct confrontation while still acknowledging the remark.
Criticism of Crockett’s comments was immediate and widespread across social media and political circles, with detractors framing the remarks as inappropriate and dismissive of a serious disability.
The backlash echoes a similar controversy from 2025, when Crockett referred to Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” during a speech. At the time, she denied the comment was about his disability, saying she was criticizing his policies rather than his physical condition.
That earlier incident already placed her under scrutiny, and this latest remark has renewed questions about her messaging and tone. While Crockett has previously defended herself by pointing to broader political rhetoric and attacks from opponents, this instance differs in that it directly references the origin of Abbott’s disability.
The timing also adds context. Crockett is nearing the end of her congressional tenure after losing a Senate primary and opting not to seek re-election to her House seat. As a result, the controversy unfolds during a transitional phase in her political career, when public statements often carry added weight.
