Dallas Pastor Wins Primary to Succeed Crockett in Congress

Frederick Haynes III, a radical reparations activist, cruised to victory in the Democratic primary for Texas's 30th Congressional District.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Jasmine Crockett's pastor, Frederick Haynes III, won the Democratic primary for Texas's 30th Congressional District and is likely to win in November due to the district's reliably blue lean. Haynes, who runs a Dallas megachurch, has a history of controversial statements, including praising notorious antisemite Louis Farrakhan and calling for reparations, saying "America, you owe us. What you done to us has been immoral. It's been evil. It's been unjust."

Why it matters

Haynes' victory in the primary signals a shift towards more progressive and radical representation in the 30th District, which has been controlled by Democrats for years. His stances on issues like reparations and criticism of Israel could have significant implications if he wins the general election.

The details

In the Democratic primary, Haynes won 72.6% of the vote, easily defeating former state representative Barbara Caraway and another Dallas-area pastor, Rodney LaBruce. Haynes campaigned on a platform aligned with the progressive "Squad" of lawmakers, including Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, and raising the minimum wage.

  • Haynes won the Democratic primary on March 5, 2026.
  • Crockett announced her failed bid for the U.S. Senate shortly before Haynes launched his campaign for her House seat.

The players

Frederick Haynes III

The pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas who won the Democratic primary for Texas's 30th Congressional District. Haynes is a radical reparations activist who has praised controversial figures like Louis Farrakhan.

Jasmine Crockett

The incumbent Democratic representative for Texas's 30th Congressional District, who lost her bid for the U.S. Senate and is being succeeded by Haynes.

Barbara Caraway

A former Texas state representative and Dallas City Council member who came in second in the Democratic primary with 23.1% of the vote.

Rodney LaBruce

Another Dallas-area pastor who came in third in the Democratic primary with 4.3% of the vote.

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What they’re saying

“America, you owe us. What you done to us has been immoral. It's been evil. It's been unjust. It's been downright wrong and the only way to bring salvation to America - you gotta pay us what you owe us.”

— Frederick Haynes III, Pastor (San Francisco church of Kamala Harris' mentor)

“This is a country that spent in the aftermath of emancipation decades plundering Black communities and ensuring that we were economically exploited and excluded. And so how could you talk about redemption without reparation?”

— Frederick Haynes III, Pastor (Reparations rally outside the White House)

What’s next

Haynes' victory in the primary sets him up to likely win the general election in November and succeed Jasmine Crockett in representing Texas's 30th Congressional District.

The takeaway

Haynes' victory represents a shift towards more progressive and radical representation in the 30th District, with his stances on issues like reparations and criticism of Israel likely to have significant implications if he wins the general election.