A House Republican has initiated steps to formally censure Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) for what he calls “disgraceful and vile attacks” on Texas Governor Greg Abbott, following Crockett’s use of the nickname “Governor Hot Wheels” during a March 22 speech.
The remark, aimed at Abbott—who has used a wheelchair since a 1984 accident—has sparked significant backlash from GOP lawmakers and conservative leaders in Texas.
Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) announced Tuesday that he would introduce a censure resolution targeting Crockett for conduct unbecoming of a Member of Congress. “This kind of rhetoric has no place in Congress,” Weber said on X. The resolution cites Crockett’s comments, delivered at a Human Rights Campaign event, as both “discriminatory” and part of a “continued series of inappropriate comments.”
Weber’s measure, if introduced as a privileged resolution, would compel the House to consider it within two legislative days.
Crockett’s defense was posted in a thread on X, where she stated she “wasn’t thinking about the governor’s condition” and instead aimed her criticism at Abbott’s migrant relocation policies, which she claims have disproportionately affected cities with Black leadership. She denied referencing his disability and called the uproar “another distraction.”
However, the backlash was swift. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton condemned the comments, calling Crockett “despicable,” while others demanded accountability. The incident follows prior controversy surrounding Crockett.
The resolution highlights a May 2024 House Oversight hearing where Crockett insulted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) in a tense exchange, describing her as having a “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body.” The insult came in response to Greene referencing Crockett’s appearance, stating, “I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading.”
Censure, while rare, has become more frequent in recent years. It is a formal statement of disapproval but does not remove a lawmaker from office. Only 28 members have been censured in U.S. history, most recently including Reps. Adam Schiff, Paul Gosar, and Rashida Tlaib.
The political implications of the proposed censure are significant. Should Weber proceed, the vote would force lawmakers to publicly align themselves on an issue involving both decorum and disability-related sensitivity. While the House has grown increasingly divided on partisan lines, past censure votes have seen crossover support, such as the recent measure against Rep. Al Green (D-TX), which passed with backing from both parties.