U.S. Congressman Colin Allred is ready to take on Ted Cruz to be Texas’ newest Senator. But first, he must defeat a crowded field of other Senate hopefuls, even though he is considered the frontrunner. Even still, Allred believes he is best suited to take on the controversial Cruz.
“I’m somebody who brings folks together and I have the experience of doing that. I’ve shown that it’s possible,” said Allred, a former NFL linebacker turned civil rights lawyer. “I know from my experience of being both an athlete and then as a lawyer serving the Obama administration how to get things done. I’ve shown that in Congress too.”
Despite facing sharp criticism from opponents and the challenges of a crowded field, Allred has maintained a dominant presence in fundraising, although a significant portion of voters remain undecided.
His primary opponent, State Senator Roland Gutierrez, has been actively campaigning across the state, aiming to exploit perceived vulnerabilities in Allred’s bipartisan approach. As the primary race approaches a crucial phase, Allred is intensifying his focus on key issues like abortion rights, aligning his strategy with the broader goals of the Democratic Party.
Allred, who emphasizes bipartisanship, said this election isn’t just about who’s best to defeat Ted Cruz, but who is best for the people of Texas.
“It’s about who we are as Texans,” he added. “The election is not gonna be about who Ted Cruz is. I’m a fourth-generation Texan, born and raised in Dallas. I know who we are, and we’re not who Ted Cruz says we are. And it’s going to take all of us to make sure that we send a message about who we are so that folks around the country are introduced to the real Texas.”
Despite sharing many Democratic priorities, differences emerge between Allred and Gutierrez, particularly on healthcare and legislative strategy. With nine candidates vying for the nomination, each with unique backgrounds and policy stances, the primary remains unpredictable.
Allred’s significant fundraising advantage has bolstered his campaign, but challengers like Gutierrez are banking on grassroots support and issue-driven messaging to gain traction. As the primary date draws nearer, candidates are emphasizing their electability and ability to defeat incumbent Senator Ted Cruz in the general election.
Allred’s supporters highlight his legislative record and pragmatic approach to governance. The primary’s outcome remains uncertain, with candidates seeking to build coalitions and appeal to diverse voter demographics, particularly Hispanic voters, who play a significant role in Texas politics. At a campaign event in Houston on Jan. 19, Gutierrez was recorded talking with an attendee about his candidacy and why he believes he’s best suited to defeat Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) come the November election.
“Our freedom’s under attack right now. And I want to restore our freedoms. I want to restore our freedom to make our own healthcare decisions, including access to an abortion. I want to protect our democracy. I’ve been doing that as a voting rights lawyer before I came to Congress. We have to restore that. So I’ll restore your freedom in the United States Senate, and I need your help.”
With the November election looming, Democrats view Texas as a prime opportunity for a Senate seat pickup. Despite Cruz’s continued focus on Allred, candidates are working to rally support and position themselves as viable alternatives. As the primary race intensifies, the candidates are focused on mobilizing their bases and securing crucial endorsements to bolster their campaigns.
