DALLAS (AP) — Former Texas congressman Colin Allred has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, marking another attempt to secure a Democratic seat in Texas. This announcement comes following his previous campaign against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, which, despite being record-breaking in terms of spending, did not yield the desired outcome for the Democratic Party. Allred lost to Cruz by nearly 9 percentage points in the 2024 election, which saw more than $130 million spent by Democrats attempting to unseat the incumbent senator.
This time, Allred is targeting the seat currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Cornyn is facing a vigorous primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, suggesting that the upcoming election in 2026 could be particularly contentious for the GOP. Allred's decision to run comes just seven months after his loss to Cruz, and he is the first prominent Democrat to enter the race, positioning it as a critical opportunity for his party, which has struggled to win statewide races in Texas for over three decades.
In his candidacy announcement made through a video, Allred chastised both Cornyn and Paxton and presented himself as an advocate for those facing economic challenges. He stated, “I get it. Real change might feel impossible, but I’m not giving up.” Allred, who previously played as an NFL linebacker, emphasized his commitment to addressing issues that resonate with Texas voters, including the protection of abortion rights, which was a significant focus during his last campaign.
Despite his moderate positioning, Allred's initial campaign strategy faced criticism from within the Democratic Party. Some party members expressed disappointment over his approach, which appeared to avoid smaller, more intimate engagements and rallies in favor of larger events. This strategy ultimately reflected in the broader pattern of Texas Democrats facing repeated losses in statewide elections while Republicans have been gaining ground, particularly in traditionally Democratic areas along the predominantly Hispanic border with Mexico.
Colin Allred, who enjoyed a successful four-season NFL career primarily with the Tennessee Titans after going undrafted from Baylor University, made his entry into Congress by flipping a Republican-held district in Dallas during the 2018 elections. Now, as he embarks on another Senate campaign, former astronaut Terry Virts has also emerged as a Democratic candidate in the race.
In the backdrop of the upcoming GOP primary contest between Cornyn and Paxton, the potential influence of former President Donald Trump looms large. Trump has praised both candidates but has yet to announce an endorsement, which adds another layer of suspense to the unfolding political landscape. With the 2026 Senate race heating up, Allred’s strategic decisions and campaign approach will be key factors to watch as he seeks to break Texas’ lengthy Democratic drought in statewide offices.
