Democratic Rep. Colin Allred has announced he is running for the U.S. Senate against two-term Republican incumbent Ted Cruz. In a campaign video released on YouTube, titled "Our Team is Texas," Allred sharply criticized Cruz for his comments before January 6th and accused him of "cheering on the mob" during the Capitol insurrection.
Allred also chastised Cruz for going to Cancun, Mexico with his family during a severe winter storm in February 2021 that resulted in deadly widespread power outages throughout Texas. The congressman aims to sell Texas voters on leadership that prioritizes pragmatism and collaboration over selfishness and partisan gridlock.
Now serving his third term representing the 32nd Congressional District, Allred highlighted his efforts working alongside Republican members of Congress to build a new VA Hospital in Garland. He envisions a path to victory similar to former U.S. Rep Beto O'Rourke's close race against Cruz in 2018, which saw O'Rourke lose by only 2.6 percentage points.
Texas State Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) will likely run against Cruz as well once the regular legislative session ends later this month.
While unseating Senator Ted Cruz may prove an uphill battle for Democrats, they are hopeful about garnering votes from suburban areas and other demographics targeted by successful campaigns like O'Rourke's bid.
As one of thirteen Democrats within the forty-member Texas congressional delegation, Rep. Colin Allred has been recognized as a rising star among House Democrat Caucus members—earning him significant national attention as he challenges high-profile Senator Ted Cruz.
Democrats find themselves defending twenty-three seats across various states—including three held by Democratic-aligned independents—in what appears to be an unfavorable political landscape leading up to the elections.
In response to Representative Colin Allred’s campaign announcement video posted on Twitter, The Hill reached out to Senator Ted Cruz for comment but has yet to receive a response.