STL’s own U.S. Rep Crockett fires up sold-out STL County Dems Gala
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett was in typical form when she stepped to the podium Saturday, May 16, before a sold-out crowd at the 45th annual St. Louis County Democrats Gala at the Sheraton Westport Chalet. She didn’t ease into her remarks, and she set the tone from the start. Speaking to more than 500 attendees, she provided a clear and pointed call to action. “Dig deep and do more,” Crockett said.
“I am here to tell you that getting comfortable is how we lost Roe v. Wade,” she said. “Getting comfortable is why our democracy is fading in front of our faces.”
The gala also honored several local leaders who are already doing that work, including Thomas Eagleton Award recipient Chantelle Jones. “To be recognized in the legacy of Senator Thomas is deeply humbling,” Jones said. “I accept this award for every voice fighting to be heard and every community refusing to be forgotten.”
During her speech, Crockett moved into the realities she believes Democrats must confront. She spoke plainly about federal workers, oversight battles and the consequences of political decisions that ripple down to everyday life — from the post office to healthcare to education.
“We serve on the Oversight Committee,” she said, describing what she called illegal firings and the strain placed on public workers. “Workers that work for you every single day.”
She reminded the audience that every issue — foreign affairs, LGBTQ rights, education, healthcare, labor — ultimately comes back to representation and the ability to vote.
“If you have access to actually vote for your representation, you will get what you need,” she said.
Crockett urged attendees not to focus solely on high-profile races.
“I know the sexy elections are always the ones at the top of the ballot,” she said. “But it is the most local election that matters. It is important that you pay attention to the entirety of the ballot.”
She pointed to Missouri’s political history and insisted that the state’s current landscape is not permanent.
“I know that we have not always been a bloody red state,” she said. “I know who you are. I know that y’all can do better.”
Crockett then walked the room through recent court decisions in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Virginia — rulings that altered congressional maps, reversed lower-court findings or dismissed votes already cast.
“I am here to tell you that getting comfortable is how we lost Roe v. Wade,” she said. “Getting comfortable is why our democracy is fading in front of our faces.”
She stressed that no election outcome is guaranteed and that participation alone is not enough.
“You may think that you’re doing something because you showed up to this dinner,” she said. “I appreciate your presence. But it’s time to dig deep and do more.”
Crockett called on attendees to volunteer for campaigns — especially down-ballot candidates who often lack resources but face the steepest challenges.
“We are too reactionary as Democrats,” she said. “Everybody needs to be engaged — not just the people in this room.”
For those who consider themselves removed from politics, she offered a reminder.
“You may not do politics, but politics will do you,” she said, quoting former Texas House colleague Toni Rose.
Crockett also spoke personally about her St. Louis roots — born and raised in the region, a graduate of Jefferson Elementary— and the impact of public investment on her own life.
“I am a living testimony of what can happen when there is good government, when there are investments made in our children,” she said.
She connected her journey to the sacrifices of civil rights leaders who paved the way.
“I would not be standing here as only the 55th Black woman ever elected to Congress if there hadn’t been people willing to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge,” she said. “They were beaten and bloodied, never knowing who would come behind them.”
Crockett closed with two essential reminders.
“If they weren’t afraid of your power, they wouldn’t be going through the lengths they are going through right now,” she said. “Faith without works is dead.”