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Texas Democrat Faces Backlash for Remarks on Non-Whites 'Taking Over'
State Rep. Gene Wu's comments about non-white communities uniting against 'oppressors' draw criticism from Republicans
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Democratic State Rep. Gene Wu of Texas is facing widespread backlash after racially charged comments he made in a December 2024 podcast resurfaced on social media. In the interview, Wu said that 'the day the Latino, African American, Asian, and other communities realize that they share the same oppressor is the day we start winning' and that 'we have the ability to take over this country and do what is needed for everyone and to make things fair.' The comments drew criticism from Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Why it matters
Wu's remarks touch on sensitive issues of race, political division, and the shifting demographics in Texas, where non-white voters have been playing an increasingly influential role in elections. The backlash highlights the ongoing tensions around topics of identity, representation, and power in the state's political landscape.
The details
In the December 2024 podcast episode, Wu told host Jose Antonio Vargas that 'the oppression comes from one place' and that 'our communities are divided' but that 'the day the Latino, African American, Asian, and other communities realize that they share the same oppressor is the day we start winning.' Wu, who serves as chairman of the Democratic Caucus in the Texas House of Representatives, also said 'we have the ability to take over this country and do what is needed for everyone and to make things fair.'
- Wu made the comments in a December 31, 2024 episode of the 'Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas' podcast.
- The comments resurfaced on social media on February 9, 2026.
The players
Gene Wu
A Democratic State Representative in Texas who serves as chairman of the Democratic Caucus in the Texas House of Representatives.
Ted Cruz
A Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who criticized Wu's comments.
Elon Musk
The CEO of Tesla who also criticized Wu's comments.
What they’re saying
“These disgusting comments are wokeness at its worst, and the silence is deafening from Democrats.”
— Zach Kraft, RNC spokesman (Daily Caller News Foundation)
The takeaway
Wu's comments have sparked a heated debate around issues of race, representation, and political power in Texas, reflecting the state's evolving demographics and the ongoing tensions within the Democratic party around identity politics.
