Congresswoman’s Comedy Tour Hits a Speed Bump with 'Hot Wheels' Jab

Jasmine Crockett, a stand-up comedian who stumbled into a congressional seat after running a parody campaign, delivered a sharp jab at Texas Governor Greg Abbott during her latest comedy tour stop.

The tour, dubbed “Human Rights Campaign,” rolled through Austin last week, where Crockett referred to Abbott as “Hot Wheels” in front of a packed crowd of nearly two dozen people.

The line landed with a thud for some audience members, given Abbott’s well-known use of a wheelchair following a 1984 accident that left him paralyzed. Crockett quickly pivoted mid-set.

“When I said ‘Hot Wheels,’ I didn’t mean the chair, folks,” she clarified on X. “I meant he’s just zooming around, running Texas like it’s a racetrack.”

Abbott, who has served as governor since 2015, has faced criticism over the years for policies ranging from border security to abortion laws. Crockett’s tour, which she claims is a platform to spotlight human rights issues, often blends political commentary with her comedic takes. Her apology didn’t stop the backlash from brewing online, where X users debated whether the quip was a cheap shot or a clever dig.

One attendee, local Austin resident Mark Hensley, weighed in on the performance. “I thought it was funny until she started explaining it,” Hensley said. “Then it just felt like a politician dodging a scandal.”

Crockett, who transitioned from mock candidate to actual Representative for Texas’s 30th district in 2023, has built a reputation for bold statements. Earlier this year, she made headlines for suggesting Congress allocate funds to study whether the moon affects voter turnout.

Onstage, she doubled down on her comedic intent. “Look, I’m here to make you laugh, not to roll over anyone’s feelings,” Crockett told the crowd.

The incident has sparked chatter about whether Crockett’s comedy career can coexist with her congressional duties. Governor Abbott’s office declined to comment, though a spokesperson noted he was busy signing a bill to fund wheelchair-accessible playgrounds across the state.

Meanwhile, Crockett’s team issued a statement calling the episode a “learning moment” and promising her next set would steer clear of attacks on disabled people.

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