LUBBOCK, Texas — Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) is under intense scrutiny following reports that her campaign staff utilized armed security to forcibly remove a national political correspondent from a Senate campaign rally on Monday.
The incident, involving The Atlantic staff writer Elaine Godfrey, has sparked a firestorm of criticism regarding press freedom and the congresswoman’s readiness for a statewide Senate run. Godfrey alleges she was escorted to a nearby highway after being labeled a “top-notch hater” by Crockett’s team.
The Incident: ‘White Girl with a Hat and Notepad’
According to Godfrey’s firsthand account published Thursday, she had been covering the Lubbock event for approximately an hour—after identifying herself to press staff at the entrance—before being approached by an official with a badge.
The staffer reportedly read a message from her phone stating:
“Elaine from Atlantic, White girl with a hat and notepad. She’s interviewing people in the crowd. She’s a top-notch hater and will spin. She needs to leave.”
Godfrey reported that four security guards, including at least one who was armed, escorted her out of the building and through the parking lot, leaving her at the edge of a county road to wait for a rideshare.
Crockett Denies Allegations, Claims ‘Silly Season’
In a subsequent interview with CBS journalist Shawna Mizelle, Rep. Crockett disputed the account, stating there was “no evidence” a reporter had been removed. Crockett dismissed the controversy as “silly season” and suggested that Godfrey had a history of losing defamation lawsuits—a claim the reporter flatly denies.
“Perhaps she was thinking of someone else, because that’s not something that has ever happened to me,” Godfrey responded, noting that she has never been sued for defamation.
A Pattern of Press Conflict
The friction appears to stem from a profile Godfrey authored in July 2024. At that time, Crockett reportedly attempted to “revoke all permissions” for the piece after learning it included comments from fellow House Democrats.
This is not the only recent clash between the Crockett campaign and the press. Reports have surfaced that her team previously contacted U.S. Capitol Police regarding CNN reporter Edward-Isaac Dovere after he attempted to visit a campaign office.
Critical Reaction Across the Aisle
The incident has drawn rebukes from across the political and journalistic spectrum:
Chris Cillizza (Former CNN): Labeled the move “not ready for primetime sort of stuff.”
Jeffrey Goldberg (Editor-in-Chief, The Atlantic): Stated that “in a democracy, elected officials answer questions from the press rather than hide from them.”
Zaid Jilani (Journalist): Questioned how Crockett intends to win a statewide Texas race if she cannot navigate relationships with mainstream media outlets.
Context: The Texas Senate Race
Crockett is currently locked in an increasingly contentious Democratic primary against State Representative James Talarico. Political analysts suggest that while Crockett’s confrontational style has made her a national progressive star, aggressive tactics against the press may alienate the moderate voters required to flip a Senate seat in Texas.
As of Sunday, Crockett’s office has not provided further comment on the specific security protocols used at the Lubbock event.
