Jasmine Crockett, a member of the Democratic Party, is a lawyer and politician who has been the U.S. representative for Texas’s 30th congressional district since January 2023.
Her parents, Joseph and Gwen Crockett, joined her at the 119th Congress ceremony.
Crockett has emerged as a dynamic and influential figure in American politics. She champions progressive values and advocates for criminal justice reform, voting rights, and economic equity.
From her early career as a public defender to her current role as a U.S. Congresswoman, she consistently fought for marginalized communities while rising through the ranks of Democratic leadership.
Before entering politics, Crockett built a career in law, focusing on justice and equity. She served as a public defender in Bowie County, Texas, representing indigent clients who could not afford legal counsel.
Her work in the criminal justice system gave her firsthand insight into systemic inequalities, shaping her advocacy for reform.
Crockett transitioned into private practice, where she continued to fight for civil rights and legal fairness. Her legal background provided a strong foundation for her later political career.
She is a Congressional Progressive Caucus member and was named co-chair of the 2024 Harris-Walz campaign.
Jasmine Crockett’s Parents’ Legacy Shaped a Political Force
Jasmine Felicia Crockett was born on March 29, 1981, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Joseph and Gwen Crockett.
Though raised in the United States, her family’s roots trace back to Africa, making her both a proud African American and American by nationality.
Her father, Joseph Crockett, is a former teacher, preacher, and counselor with an Ed.D. in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Rochester.
He once served as the Associated General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, where he focused on Christian education and leadership development.
Jasmine often credits her parents for her resilience and commitment to justice. On June 18, 2023, she tweeted to wish Joseph a happy Father’s Day.
You’ve probably heard me say I’m a proud PK…and it’s my daddy’s leadership and love in the church that raised me and inspires me to this day to be the best Congresswoman I can be. Happy #FathersDay to Pastor Joseph Crockett, all the dads of #TX30, and @RepJeffries, too!
Her mother, Gwen, a retired postal worker, instilled fierce determination in her.
She taught her to never back down from a fight worth fighting and to always look out for the underserved.
On May 8, 2022, she wished her a happy Mother’s Day through Instagram.
My mother grew up attending segregated schools. Just one generation later she’s watching as her daughter gets elected to the United States Congress. Mother’s Day is a time for meaningful reflection and showing appreciation for our moms that set us up for success & keep us going.
Gwen once told The Texas Tribune that Jasmine was a sharp-witted speaker from an early age.
Her years as a lawyer, representing marginalized Texans, deepened her understanding of systemic inequities, which was a driving force behind her political career.
On January 3, 2025, Jasmine was sworn into the 119th Congress, flanked by her parents and Ceci Gonzales, a Texas LGBTQIA+ activist, a powerful symbol of the inclusive leadership she champions.
