Social Media Hosts Under Fire

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Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers sparked outrage by discouraging support for Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign, but quickly backtracked after backlash.

Story Highlights

Yang and Rogers advised against donating to Crockett’s campaign, citing electability concerns.
Their comments were perceived as undermining a Black woman candidate.
Facing backlash, both hosts issued public apologies, promising more responsible use of their platform.

Podcasters Criticize, Then Apologize

On January 7, 2026, Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, hosts of the podcast Las Culturistas, advised listeners not to donate to Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign in Texas. The hosts expressed doubts about Crockett’s chances, referencing past Democratic losses in the state. Their comments quickly drew criticism for discouraging support for a Black woman candidate, sparking a social media backlash.

In response to the uproar, Yang and Rogers took to Instagram to apologize. Yang acknowledged the need for more careful commentary, promising to use their platform more responsibly. Rogers echoed these sentiments, expressing regret for his phrasing and reaffirming his respect for Crockett while emphasizing his focus on electoral victories.

Electability Debate in Texas

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a progressive figure and first-term Congresswoman, announced her candidacy in the Democratic primary against incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz. This announcement reignited discussions about electability, a recurring theme in Texas politics after several Democratic losses. Critics within the party have expressed skepticism about Crockett’s ability to win statewide, fearing that her candidacy might not resonate with the broader Texas electorate.

Despite these concerns, Crockett has garnered support from progressive donors and activists. The controversy involving Yang and Rogers inadvertently boosted her visibility among potential supporters, as some individuals donated in reaction to the perceived slight. The incident underscores the delicate balance Democratic candidates must maintain when addressing electability and identity politics.

Implications for Progressive Media

The incident with Yang and Rogers highlights the challenges faced by progressive media figures when discussing political strategy. Their remarks, though intended as strategic analysis, were seen as undermining a candidate based on race and gender dynamics. This controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful discourse in political commentary, especially when addressing issues of identity and representation.

The backlash also reflects a broader sensitivity among progressive audiences to perceived biases within the party. As the Democratic primary in Texas continues, the focus will remain on how candidates like Crockett navigate these complex narratives and whether media figures can avoid similar missteps in the future.