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Texas Rep. Crockett Faces Backlash After Reportedly Ejecting Atlantic Reporter from Campaign Rally
Congresswoman denies claims that she had armed guards remove a "white girl" reporter from her event
Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:34pm
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Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate, is facing criticism after The Atlantic reporter Elaine Godfrey claimed she was ejected from Crockett's campaign rally by armed guards. Godfrey said she was labeled a "top-notch hater" and told to leave the event. Crockett has denied the claims, saying there is "no evidence" Godfrey was kicked out and suggesting the reporter has a history of being "less than truthful". The incident has sparked backlash on social media, with some questioning whether Crockett is ready for the "primetime" of a statewide campaign.
Why it matters
This incident raises concerns about Crockett's ability to handle media scrutiny and criticism as she runs for higher office. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between some politicians and the press, particularly when it comes to coverage that politicians view as unfavorable or biased.
The details
According to Godfrey's account, she spent about an hour at Crockett's rally in Lubbock before being approached by a staffer who said Crockett's team had asked her to leave. The staffer reportedly read a message from Crockett's team describing Godfrey as a "white girl" and a "top-notch hater" who would "spin" the story. Godfrey was then escorted out of the event by armed guards. Crockett has denied the claims, suggesting Godfrey may have been confused with another reporter who has a "history of being less than truthful".
- The incident occurred at Crockett's Senate campaign rally on Monday, February 27, 2026.
- Godfrey published her account of the incident on Thursday, March 2, 2026.
The players
Rep. Jasmine Crockett
A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas who is running for the Texas Senate.
Elaine Godfrey
A staff writer for The Atlantic magazine who was reportedly ejected from Crockett's campaign rally.
What they’re saying
“Right before armed guards escorted me from the rally and left me on the edge of a Texas-county road, I was informed that I was no longer welcome at an event that I had already attended.”
— Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic staff writer
“There's no evidence of that. It's silly season.”
— Rep. Jasmine Crockett
What’s next
The incident has sparked widespread criticism of Crockett's actions, with some questioning whether she is ready for the demands of a statewide campaign. It remains to be seen how Crockett will respond to the backlash and whether the controversy will have any lasting impact on her Senate bid.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the delicate balance that politicians must strike when dealing with the media, particularly when facing critical coverage. Crockett's reported actions have raised concerns about her ability to handle scrutiny and engage constructively with the press, which could be a significant challenge as she seeks higher office.
