Progressive Texas Pastor Frederick Haynes Wins Democratic Primary to Replace Jasmine Crockett

At a recent Democratic fundraiser in Fort Worth, Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III delivered a sermon-style rally that propelled him to a clear primary win for Texas’s 30th congressional district, the seat vacated by Jasmine Crockett. Haynes, who has led the Friendship-West Baptist church for over four decades and grown its congregation to more than 13,000, embraced a platform of economic justice, universal health care, environmental equity and the dismantling of ICE.

After initially declining to run, he changed course following a prayer prompting and counsel from Senator Raphael Warnock. His campaign has drawn support from progressive activists, local clergy and community leaders, who praise his blend of Black prophetic preaching and hip-hop rhythm. In the general election he will contend with Republican Everett Jackson, while Democrats view his candidacy as a chance to expand the party’s foothold in Texas. Haynes also joins a growing wave of progressive clergy seeking office across the nation.