Texas pastor running to replace Jasmine Crockett claims ‘hate-filled’ Charlie Kirk wasn’t assassinated

Haynes has served as the pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in southern Dallas for over 40 years. He entered the race after Crockett launched a US Senate bid, which she has since lost.

Haynes has drawn attention in the past for extremely controversial remarks from the pulpit. The Sunday after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Haynes told his congregation that Kirk was “dangerous” and a “hate-filled” “white Christian.”

“A white Christian gets killed, murdered, not assassinated,” Haynes said regarding Kirk’s death, taking issue with the word “assassinated” being used.

“We gonna tell the whole truth today. Martin King got assassinated. Malcolm X got assassinated,” he continued. “Don’t compare Kirk to King. Ain’t no such comparison now.”

Haynes then added, “I’m anti-political violence. Kirk should still be alive,” before stipulating, “What Kirk said was dangerous. What Kirk said was racist, rooted in white supremacy, nasty, and hate-filled.”

The primary was called by the Associated Press on Tuesday just after 10:15 pm. Haynes campaigned on a list of far-left policy initiatives that include universal healthcare and the abolishing of ICE. He was endorsed by Crockett in his campaign.

The general election will take place in November against the GOP nominee, but Haynes will be the heavy favorite given the district’s left-wing voting history.