Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) has come under fierce attack from political rivals and disability rights organizations following a weekend speech in which she called Texas Governor Greg Abbott “Governor Hot Wheels.” While Crockett maintains that her remark was directed at Abbott’s contentious migrant transport policies, the comment quickly went viral, with many viewing it as a derision of the governor’s disability.
Abbott, paralyzed in a jogging accident during his 20s, has relied on a wheelchair for decades. Disability rights activists were quick to jump in, noting dismay that Crockett’s joke, whether purposeful or not, added to the stigma endured by those with disabilities in public life.
Disability Advocates Speak Out
United Spinal Association’s Josie Byzek recognized Crockett’s years of advocacy for disability rights but pointed out that words do count. “The stigma is real,” she said, referencing how easily such remarks can perpetuate damaging narratives even when uttered by allies.
Emily Ladau, a well-known disability rights writer, identified a more profound problem within political rhetoric: “When Crockett made that joke, she was actually punching down… If the Democrats are going to be as inclusive as they say they are, they need to be careful with their words.”
Other supporters, such as Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, cautioned that such language can deter people with disabilities from being active in public and professional arenas, entrenching their marginalization.
Crockett Responds — But Controversy Grows
At first dismissing the remark as “speaking for itself,” Crockett later explained through X (formerly Twitter) that she had not meant to refer to Abbott’s disability. Rather, she explained that her comments were directed at the governor’s deployment of transportation to relocate migrants into majority-Black cities — an action she accused of fomenting fear and division.
In spite of her clarification, Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) said that he would move to introduce an official resolution censuring Crockett, condemning her statement as “disgraceful” and “discriminatory in nature.”
A Call for Accountability and Respect
While most supporters acknowledge Crockett’s record of supporting disability rights, they say that political friends are held to the same expectations as political foes. Chase Bearden of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities put it best: “A person’s disability doesn’t affect their ability to lead. The focus should be on policy, not personal attacks.”
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: Words matter — especially when spoken by those in power.
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