Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the rising star of Texas politics, gave an electrifying speech at the Democratic National Convention, and her momentum hasn’t slowed since. A U.S. Representative for Texas’ 30th Congressional District, Crockett has been in office since January 2023 and is fast becoming a leading voice on the national stage. We caught up with her during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where she discussed her fight for democracy, rallying for Vice President Kamala Harris, and mobilizing young Black voters ahead of the 2024 election.

The CBCF conference, themed From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices, comes during a critical election year, Crockett emphasized the importance of this gathering. "The CBC is oftentimes referred to as the conscience of Congress. We are usually the ones looking out for what is ethical and right—not just for the Black community, but really for everybody in this country."

She explained that the Congressional Black Caucus is about more than just legislative action. "It’s important for us to update the general community about what legislation we’re working on and what issues are taking place on Capitol Hill. This is an opportunity to get the information directly from us, and have an opportunity to communicate with us, as well as raise issues. I think that it is absolutely invaluable."

In addition to her congressional duties, Rep. Crockett has been actively campaigning for the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz 2024 ticket. "I’m going all around the country, raising money and attending fundraisers as a surrogate when the principals can’t be there," Crockett said. But it’s not just the fundraising that keeps her busy; she’s also hitting the streets, engaging with voters at churches, cosmetology schools, barber schools, and even music festivals.

"There’s nothing that I don’t do on the trail," she added. "As we get down to the last stretch of this election, we’re really focused on meeting people where they are. I’ve done a couple of music festivals with crowds of at least 50,000, and I’ve got more coming up. I make a quick pitch, maybe five minutes, before an artist comes on stage—talking about how we’re not a monolith and why it’s important to vote."

Crockett is especially focused on mobilizing Black men, acknowledging that there’s often a communication barrier to engaging them in the political process. "I’m working on a plan specifically for Black men, and it’s nothing but Black men leading the charge. I want Black men to feel like they have a safe space to have these conversations, so I’m talking to some high-profile folks to see if they’ll ride this wave with me."

When it comes to young voters, Crockett sees technology as a key tool. "I’m telling everyone to start using their group chats to organize. It’s the only place where people feel safe from campaign stuff, and I’m enlisting warriors to help me out by sending information about voting deadlines, candidates, and donation links. Relational organizing is much more effective than anything else we can do."

Crockett believes the power to influence the election lies with the people, and that’s what she’s working to tap into. "Nobody wants to listen to a politician, but they’ll listen to their friends and family. I’m really trying to empower people to realize that the power has always belonged to them."

During our interview, Crockett also addressed the pressing issue of immigration, particularly in light of Trump’s hostile stance toward Haitian immigrants. She made the connection between the labor force and economic stability. "When people complain about the cost of food, I ask them: Are you raising farmers? Because when we have effective immigration policies that allow people to work and earn money, the system works. This war on migrants is driving up the cost of food."

She stressed that practical immigration policies benefit both the U.S. economy and migrant workers, many of whom are essential to sectors like agriculture. "We need to invest in knowing who the good guys and bad guys are, and stop this blanket war on migrants. It’s costing us all in the long run."

Unfortunately, Trump derailed a conservative immigration bill by reportedly urging members of Congress not to support it, believing that an immigration victory under Biden's administration would harm his chances of re-election. Once again, Trump prioritized his own political interests over the needs of the American people.

Crockett offered sage advice to young people eager to enter politics. "Find someone you admire and ask them to mentor you. The worst they can say is no. Also, figure out what path you want to take—whether it’s Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s route through city council or another way. Get involved in boards and commissions, and work on campaigns. Understanding the job is crucial."

As we wrapped up, Crockett’s passion for empowering voters and fighting for democracy was clear. "I need more people to be empowered as effective messengers. The power has always belonged to the people, and that’s what Republicans are afraid of."

Clay Cane is a SiriusXM radio host and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans From the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump.