Former U.S. Representative Colin Allred announced on July 1, 2025, his second campaign for the U.S. Senate, this time targeting the seat held by longtime Republican Senator John Cornyn. Allred, a Democrat from Dallas, previously challenged Senator Ted Cruz in 2024, losing by approximately nine percentage points. In his latest bid, Allred positions himself as a moderate focused on government accountability and political reform, aiming to capitalize on internal divisions within the Republican Party.
The Republican primary has become increasingly contentious, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton mounting a strong challenge against Senator Cornyn. Paxton, who was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 but later acquitted by the Senate, remains popular among conservative voters. Recent polls indicate that Paxton leads Cornyn among likely Republican voters, raising concerns within the GOP about the potential for a divisive primary that could weaken their hold on the seat.
Allred’s entry into the race has energized the Democratic field, which already includes retired astronaut Terry Virts. Other prominent Democrats, such as U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, and state Rep. James Talarico, have expressed interest in running, signaling a potentially crowded primary.
Democrats view the Republican infighting as an opportunity to flip a Senate seat in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988. Shifting demographics and increasing political polarization have contributed to a more competitive landscape in Texas, giving Democrats hope for a breakthrough in the 2026 elections.
Allred, a former NFL linebacker and civil rights attorney, served in Congress representing Texas’s 32nd district from 2019 to 2025. His campaign emphasizes reducing costs for Texans and combating corruption in Washington. In his announcement video, Allred stated, “I know Washington is broken. The system is rigged. But it doesn’t have to be this way.”
The 2026 Senate race in Texas is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country, with significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. As both parties prepare for a potentially bruising primary season, the outcome of this race could signal broader political trends in a rapidly changing state.
