Governor Abbott Accuses Democrats of Selling “Nothing But Hate” Following Rep. Crockett’s Controversial Remark
Texas Governor Greg Abbott sharply criticized the Democratic Party on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, accusing them of having “no vision, no policy,” and “nothing to sell but hate” in response to a remark by Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) that appeared to mock his disability. The comments came during an interview on Fox News’ “Hannity,” where Abbott addressed Crockett’s statement made over the weekend at a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles. Crockett referred to Abbott, who has used a wheelchair since a 1984 accident left him paralyzed, as “Governor Hot Wheels,” prompting widespread backlash and reigniting a debate over political rhetoric.
The Incident
During her speech at the civil rights event, Crockett quipped, “Y’all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there — come on now! And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot ass mess.” The remark drew laughter from the audience but quickly sparked outrage among Republicans and disability rights advocates. Abbott, who was left paraplegic at age 26 after a tree fell on him while jogging, has been a prominent figure in Texas politics, serving as governor since 2015. Crockett’s comment was seen by many as a jab at his physical condition, despite her later insistence that it was not intended as such.
Following the backlash, Crockett took to X to clarify her statement, writing, “I wasn’t thinking about the governor’s condition — I was thinking about the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear among the most vulnerable.” She was referring to Abbott’s controversial policy of busing migrants to Democratic-led cities, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism since its implementation.
Abbott’s Response
Governor Abbott, appearing on “Hannity,” dismissed Crockett’s explanation and framed her comment as emblematic of broader Democratic failings. “It’s another day and another disaster by the Democrats,” he said. “The reality is they have no vision, no policy. They have nothing to sell but hate, and Americans are not buying it.” He argued that such rhetoric would ultimately backfire, predicting that “Republican states like Texas are leading the way, and with comments like this by Democrats, we will just leave them in the dust in future elections.”
Abbott’s remarks reflect a broader Republican narrative that Democrats rely on divisive tactics rather than substantive policy proposals. The governor, a staunch conservative, has frequently clashed with Democratic lawmakers over issues like immigration, education, and healthcare, making this latest exchange part of an ongoing political feud.
Political Fallout
Crockett’s comment has not only drawn a rebuke from Abbott but also prompted action from fellow Texan Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), who announced plans to introduce a censure resolution against her in the House of Representatives. Weber called Crockett’s remarks “vile” and “discriminatory,” arguing that they were “a disgrace to everything Texas and the United States stand for.” He told Fox News Digital, “The story of our great governor of Texas is one of unwavering resilience and perseverance. She must be censured and held accountable for the venomous rhetoric she spews as a representative of the Democratic Party.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) also seized on the moment, with spokesman Mike Marinella stating, “Jasmine Crockett is the perfect spokesperson for today’s Democrats — out of touch and completely unhinged. When you’ve got no message and no agenda, all that’s left is hate.” Meanwhile, conservative voices on X echoed this sentiment, with some calling Crockett’s behavior “cruel” and “contemptible.”
On the Democratic side, reactions have been mixed. While Crockett has not apologized, some party strategists expressed unease with her approach. Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist, commented, “I don’t care for Jasmine Crockett’s comment about Governor Abbott, but Republicans can spare me the crocodile tears when this clown is their king,” referencing past instances of controversial rhetoric from Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump.
Disability Advocates Weigh In
Beyond the political sphere, disability rights advocates voiced disappointment over Crockett’s remark. Emily Ladau, a prominent advocate and author, told POLITICO, “If the Democrats want to be as inclusive as they claim they do and ensure that people with disabilities are actually recognized as being welcome under their political umbrella, then you have to be thoughtful about your words. When Crockett made that joke, she was really punching down, and she knew that she would get a laugh.” Several major disability rights groups echoed this sentiment, framing the incident as a reflection of a coarsening political discourse.
Abbott’s disability has rarely been a focal point of his public persona, though it has occasionally surfaced in political attacks. In 2019, then-Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt (now a state senator) apologized after saying Abbott “hates trees because one fell on him,” a comment that similarly drew ire.
A Broader Context
Crockett, elected to Congress in 2022, has emerged as a bold and outspoken figure within the Democratic Party, often garnering attention for her candid style. Her recent suggestion that Tesla CEO Elon Musk should be “taken down” (non-violently) further underscores her willingness to confront prominent figures. However, this latest episode has raised questions about whether her approach resonates with voters beyond the party’s base. Conservative writer Dan McLaughlin noted on X, “Crockett is what the Democratic base wants, but she’s the opposite of what the party needs.”
For Abbott, the incident provides an opportunity to reinforce his narrative of Republican strength and Democratic desperation. As Texas continues to play a pivotal role in national politics, the clash between these two figures highlights the deepening divide between the parties — and the increasingly personal nature of their attacks.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Weber’s censure resolution will gain traction in the House or how Crockett will navigate the fallout. What is certain, however, is that this exchange has added fuel to an already fiery political landscape, with both sides digging in for the battles ahead.
